Today, nearly one million people gathered in Newroz Square in Diyarbakır (Amed) from the early morning hours. The Newroz program began at 10:30 AM with a commemoration for Kemal Kurkut, who was killed by police in Amed while entering the Newroz celebration area in 2017. DEM Party Co-Chairs, Tülay Hatimoğulları and Tuncer Bakırhan laid carnations at the site where Kurkut was killed.

From the early hours, thousands entered the Newroz Square through six separate gates. Security forces imposed obstacles at the entrances, barring many from entry due to their traditional attire. Additionally, a large number of people were detained. Nevertheless, hundreds of thousands managed to join the celebrations.

Representatives from political parties, including the CHP, DEVA, EMEP, as well as DEM Party’s constituent parties, along with representatives from NGOs, unions and notable figures such as former İzmir Mayor Tunç Soyer and Leyla Zana, academics, writers, and intellectuals attended the event.

Moreover, representatives from the Kurdistan Regional Government—including the PUK, Kurdistan Communist Party, Kurdistan Social Democratic Party, Zehmetkêşan, the Governor of Sulaymaniyah, and the KDP—along with participants from over 20 countries, took part in the Amed Newroz celebrations. More than 700 journalists were accredited to cover the event.

Contrary to expectations, no message from Mr. Abdullah Öcalan was delivered this year, as permission was denied for the İmralı Delegation. Instead, his latest photographs and voice recordings were displayed on the stage screens. Through their chants, the crowd once again affirmed their support for Mr. Öcalan’s call made on February 27.

Meanwhile, CHP Leader Özgür Özel, PUK Leader Bafel Talabani, KDP Leader Masoud Barzani, and Kurdistan Regional Government President Nechirvan Barzani also sent messages for Newroz.

In his speech, DEM Party Co-Chair Tuncer Bakırhan briefly stated the following:

“Mr. Öcalan’s call on February 27 envisions a Turkey where no people are marginalized, and everyone is equal and free. We have extended our hand to those who seek peace and offered our shoulder to those in need of support—and we will continue to do so. The historical depth and common wisdom of Turkish-Kurdish relations can guide us toward a more democratic future. We do not seek a solution elsewhere; we find it in the shared past of Turks and Kurds and in our determination to build a common future. By healing the wounds of the past together, we can unite to shape the future.

Let us walk this path together. Our decision, stance, and position are clear. We, as millions, demand peace, equality, and a democratic society. Look at the hundreds of thousands of people gathered in Amed’s Newroz Square—they are calling for peace and a democratic resolution. Everyone should heed the message of the Newroz squares: they are an invitation to the peace agreement of the century.”

KDP Politburo member Serbest Lezgin read the message of KDP President Massoud Barzani at the Amed Newroz.  

The message read, “I hope that Abdullah Öcalan will be released in a short time. We support the peace and solution process in Turkey. Peace is the only way to solve problems. I wish the suffering of the Kurds in Syria to end as soon as possible.”

The President of the Federal Kurdistan Region, Nechirvan Barzani, also sent a message to Amed Newroz. Barzani wished all the people of Kurdistan a happy Newroz. Referring to Öcalan’s call, Barzani thanked all the actors who supported the process.

Stating that everyone should work hard for peace, Barzani said, “We are ready for whatever is asked of us for peace, whatever falls on us.”