Use of caution encouraged over holiday

  • Published
  • By Mehmet Birbiri
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  March 21 marks the first day of spring called Nevruz, literally translated as "New Day." It's also the Iranian New Year's Day.

Some people who speak Indo-European languages believe God created the universe and the humans on that day. Nevruz celebrations are related to Zoroastrianism, a religion founded in Persia.

During Nevruz celebrations, fires are started and people jump over the fire with resolutions and wishes. According to a tale, a Kurdish hero killed a cruel king to save his tribe on Nevruz. This is why many Kurdish people celebrate Nevruz in a big way.

For centuries, Nevruz has been a celebration of peace, brotherhood and goodwill in the Middle East, Caucasus, the Balkans and Central Asian countries. In the early 1990s, though, members of the Kurdish terrorist organization, PKK, celebrated that day as a day of rioting and rebellion. Violence replaced the goodwill celebrations and peace.

In 1995, the government of Turkey announced Nevruz as a national festival. After that decision and the state organizations' participation in the celebrations, Nevruz returned to its original meaning and purpose.

Still, Turkish security forces take measures to deter potential violent activities on Nevruz.

People are advised to exercise caution this day.