"In the Kurdish regions of the Middle East, Nowruz celebrations are a fundamental expression of Kurdish identity. Today there are more than 30 million Kurds in a contiguous area in Iraq, Iran, Syria and Turkey divided by external borders and historic internal differences."
"Here, Kurds gather to light flaming torches at sunset, carrying them up the mountainside to symbolize the victory of light over darkness. The torches reference a story in Kurdish mythology in which a courageous blacksmith assembles an army of villagers and kills a murderous king."
"This year, they also spelled out in flames the numbers two and one referencing a saying that 'two plus two equals one' meaning the Kurdish regions across four different countries together form one united Kurdistan."
"Traditionally chilly relations between the government of Iraq's Kurdistan region and leaders of Syria's Kurdish-led region have thawed significantly in recent months, enhancing the significance of the Nowruz celebrations."
Nowruz, marking the Persian new year, is a vital celebration for Kurds, symbolizing their identity and unity. In Akre, Iraq, Kurds gather to light torches, representing the triumph of light over darkness. Participants wear traditional Kurdish attire, and the event features a procession up the mountainside. This year, the flames spelled out 'two plus two equals one,' emphasizing the unity of Kurdish regions across Iraq, Iran, Syria, and Turkey. Recent political support between Iraqi and Syrian Kurdish leaders has improved relations, enhancing the significance of this celebration.
Read at www.npr.org
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