Newroz was celebrated in Qoser (Kızıltepe) district of Mêrdîn (Mardin) with the slogan “Rêbertiya Azad Civaka Demokratîk (Free Leader, Democratic Society)” and “Democratic Society for Freedom”. Citizens started to gather around the barriers in Otogar Square where the celebration would be held before the program. Citizens continued the program by dancing and painted their faces yellow, red and green at the entrance gates. Thousands of people entered the area with victory signs and the slogan “Bijî Newroz (Happy Newroz)”. Many families dressed themselves and their children in local clothes and frequently chanted “Bijî Serok Apo (Long live Leader Apo)” and “Bê Serok jiyan nabe (Without Leader there is no life)”.

 

Posters of Kurdish People's Leader Abdullah Öcalan and posters of Mazlum Doğan, one of the leaders of the PKK, were hung during the celebrations, which witnessed the most spectacular Newroz in recent times. Posters of Cihat Türkan (Çiyager) and Mahsun Korkmaz (Agit) were unveiled during the celebration. 

 

People's Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party MP Saliha Aydeniz addressed the crowd and said, “We will always continue to be in the fields to protect the prices we have paid. But just as we do not stop struggling, the government does not stop attacking our struggle. But we say from here that we will nullify all their attacks.” 

 

Reminding the massacre of a family of 9 people, including 7 children, in Kobani and condemned the attack and she said, "This attack must be clarified as soon as possible. We are hearing voices of provocation these days. The Turkish state must come out and shed light on this attacks."

 

Stressing that Abdullah Öcalan's call is for the Kurdish people as well as the Turkish and Middle Eastern peoples, Saliha Aydeniz emphasized that the call must be embraced.  “We are sure of ourselves, our stance and our Leader. We believe in him. If we embrace this call, it should be known that Mr. Abdullah Öcalan will also be free, he will be free,” Saliha Aydeniz added.  

 

'KURDS WANT TO HEAR ÖCALAN'S VOICE'

 

Democratic Regions Party (DBP) Co-chair Keskin Bayındır emphasized that they will uphold Abdullah Öcalan's call. Condemning the massacre in Kobani, Bayındır said, "While we are struggling for peace here, they are slaughtering our people, our brothers and sisters. The Minister of Defense says that he will not allow anyone to sabotage the process. But they are the ones doing the sabotage. We do not accept this hypocritical politics. If you are sincere, stop what you are doing."

 

Drawing attention to the massacres against Alawites after the formation of the interim government in Syira, Bayındır stated that it is Mazloum Abdi, not Ahmad Al-Shara, who will create a democratic process in Syria and that the Rojave model should be supported. 

 

Noting that the Kurdish people do not attach importance to the speeches coming from the government wing, Bayındır said, "The Kurdish people want to hear Mr Öcalan's voice. Kurdish people want to see Mr Öcalan in their midst. They go on TV and say that the PKK should lay down arms. The Minister of Justice is also saying this. Your job is not to call on the PKK to lay down arms. If there is a call for the PKK to lay down arms, Mr Öcalan has already done it. That is not your job."

 

Criticizing the policies of the government, Bayındır added, "Stop the politics of deception. Whatever your formula for a solution put it forward. Announde your road map."

 

After the speeches, the youth lit the Newroz fire. As the Newroz fire was lit, the crowd expressed their enthusiasm with the slogan "Bijî Serok Apo". The Newroz celebration continued with the songs of Grup Awesta and dances.