Nowruz in Kurdistan Region of Iraq: Symbol of Victory over Tyranny, and an Occasion for People to Celebrate and Enjoy Peace

For the people in Kurdistan Region of Iraq and in the rest of Iraq, Nowruz is the symbol of revival, happiness, colorful and vibrant life. It is the celebration of victory over tyranny and, in recent years, another occasion for people to enjoy peace and harmony.

Nowruz has different meanings for the people who celebrate it, and it is marked in different ways. In Kurdish society, Nowruz represents the New Year (21 March) and, according to legend passed on from one generation to another, marks the liberation of the Kurds nearly 2,500 years ago from Zuhak, a tyrant who had serpents growing from his shoulders. During that time, two young men were sacrificed daily and their brains were offered to Zuhak's serpents in order to alleviate his pain. Zuhak’s evil reign caused spring to no longer come to Kurdistan. As discontent grew against Zuhak's rule, the nobleman Fereydun plotted a revolt and this uprising was led by Kawa, a blacksmith who had lost six sons to Zuhak. The young men who had been saved from being sacrificed - who according to legend were ancestors of the Kurds - were trained by Kawa into an army that marched on Zuhak's castle, where Kawa killed the ruler. Then, Kawa is said to have set fire to the hillsides to celebrate the victory and summon his supporters; spring returned to Kurdistan the next day.

March 20th is traditionally marked as the day that Kawa defeated Zuhak and March 21st is marked as New Year’s Day. Kurds today use this legend to take pride in their identity, and the lighting of the fires has since become a symbol of freedom.

Although celebrations vary, people in Kurdistan Region generally gather together to welcome the coming of spring and wear colorful clothes, enjoy the outdoors with picnics, food and dance. Given the peaceful conditions in Kurdistan Region of Iraq, the area has become a haven for other Iraqis as well who come for holidays from various areas, and this has brought Iraqi society together in peace and harmony.