The Peoples' Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party Riha (Urfa) Youth Assembly lit the first fire of the 2025 Newroz in Amara, the village of PKK Leader Abdullah Öcalan. The youth made a statement before the Newroz programme held in the courtyard of the house where Abdullah Öcalan was born.

 

Making the statement Youth Assembly member Hüseyin Arslan said, "We are lighting the first Newroz fire of 2025 in Amara, where our sun was born. From Kawayê Hesinkar (Kawa the Blacksmith) to the contemporary Kawa, Mazlum Doğan and Kemal Kurkut, this fire has not and will not go out. We wish this year's Newroz to be an occasion for freedom, peace and democratic society. On 13 March, we invite all young people, women and our people to the Newroz event we will organise in Halfeti. Our struggle for the construction of a democratic society will continue unabated. Newroz pîroz be (Happy Newroz)".

 

After the statement, the young people stood around the fire with Kurdish songs and frequently chanted "Bijî Serok Apo (Long live Leader Apo)" slogan. The youth jumped over the fire and stated that Abdullah Öcalan's physical freedom must be ensured. The programme ended with a halay and applause.

 

After the programme, the youth were welcomed by Abdullah Öcalan's brother Mehmet Öcalan in the house where he was born.