Kurds in Eastern Kurdistan (Iran) Celebrate Newroz Despite Centuries of Suppression

Kurds in Eastern Kurdistan (Iran) continue to celebrate their New Year, known as Newroz, despite centuries of persecution and suppression by ruling authorities. According to Kurdish history and philosophy, March 21st marks the beginning of their New Year, which this year corresponds to 01/01/2725 in the Kurdish calendar. This unique calendar predates the Christian calendar by 700 years, emphasizing the deep historical roots of the Kurdish people.

Newroz is more than just a New Year celebration for the Kurds—it is a symbol of resistance, freedom, and hope. While Iranians, Afghans, Tajiks, and Azeris also observe Newroz, the Kurdish way of celebrating is distinct. For Kurds, it represents the triumph of justice over tyranny, embodying their long struggle against oppression.

Despite being a nation of over 80 million people divided among five countries—Turkey, Iran, Iraq, Syria, and Azerbaijan—Kurds remain united through their shared history, culture, and traditions. Across all regions, they celebrate Newroz with fire, dance, and music, defying ongoing attempts to suppress their identity and cultural rights.

The Legend Behind Kurdish Newroz: Kaveh the Blacksmith and the Birth of a Nation

The origins of Newroz are deeply embedded in Kurdish mythology, particularly the tale of Kaveh the Blacksmith and his revolt against the ruthless tyrant Zahhak (Dahhak). Zahhak, who ruled from Nineveh (modern-day Mosul), was infamous for his cruelty. According to legend, he claimed that two serpents grew from his shoulders and needed to be fed daily with the brains of young Median men. This gruesome practice was a tool of fear, allowing Zahhak to maintain his grip on power.

Determined to resist, a compassionate executioner secretly spared one young man each day, replacing his brain with that of a ram. These young men were then sent to the Zagros Mountains, where they formed a growing community known as the "Kurds." Among them was a courageous warrior named Kurd.

The decisive moment came when Zahhak's men executed two of Kaveh the Blacksmith’s sons. Enraged, Kaveh led a rebellion from Bisotun to Nineveh, gathering support along the way. With the help of the mountain-dwelling Kurds, he stormed Zahhak’s palace, striking him down with his blacksmith’s hammer. On the first day of spring in 700 BCE, Kaveh set Zahhak’s fortress ablaze, marking the dawn of freedom and the birth of Kurdish identity.

Following Zahhak’s downfall, the Medes and Kurds enjoyed three months of peace. Kaveh, at the age of 60, appointed Kurd, then 30, as the ruler of Media, establishing his capital in Ecbatana (modern-day Hamadan). This golden era of Kurdish rule, however, was short-lived.

Betrayal and the Struggle for Survival

Kaveh and Kurd’s leadership caught the attention of Fereydun Jamshidi Sassanid, a skilled Persian equestrian who outwardly supported Kurdish sovereignty. He invited Kaveh and Kurd to a grand festival in Anshan (Shiraz), where 200 Kurds were welcomed by a thousand Persians. However, during the celebrations, the Persian hosts poisoned the Kurdish leaders’ food, leading to the massacre of the Kurdish delegation and the Persian seizure of power.

Despite this betrayal, the Kurdish spirit endured. The legend of Kaveh and Kurd continues to inspire the Kurdish people, symbolizing their unwavering resistance against tyranny.

Today, as Kurds light fires and dance to celebrate Newroz, they reaffirm their commitment to freedom and justice. Their traditions, culture, and history persist, standing strong against oppression. Newroz is not just a festival; it is a declaration of resilience, identity, and the enduring hope for self-determination.