JINHA

KOBANÊ - The Canton of Kobanê, which made its name with its historical resistance against Daesh gangs, is preparing to celebrateits victory on Newroz, March 21.

Preparations for Newroz in the region have gone on for days. Now, they are largely in place.

The town of Suruç, just north of the border, has supported Kobanê resistance at the borderline for months. TheDTK (Democratic Society Congress), Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) and Democratic Regions Party (DBP) are organizing the lighting of Suruç's first Newroz fire. The Newroz fire to be lit today in the village of Etmanek just opposite the canton will warm Kobanê, say organizers.

People in Kobanê will head to the Kaniya Kurda neighbourhoodof the city, just across the border from Suruç, to greet the celebrations from across the border. On March 21,Kobanê residents will go to Miştenur Hill, the hill symbolic of the city's resistance, and start their own Newroz fire.

Kobanê's Newroz Organizing Committee member Ahmet Şêxo said thisNewroz, coming in the wake of the historic resistance, would be different. All Kobanê citizens have been invited to the border to salute Suruç today.

"To celebrate Newroz at the border of Kobanê in Northern Kurdistan is of vital importance for us. We'll rush to the border for this historical moment," said Ahmet. Ahmet says citizens are participating in the organization through committes, with the Kurdish Red Crescent (Heyva Sor a Kurdistan) providing provisions for any medical needs.

With Newroz, the Kurds' national holiday, approaching, Kobanê is decorated with Kurdish symbols and colors—red, green and yellow, noted Ahmet.He said that people should expect surprise guests.

2015 is a historical year not just for Kobanê, but for all Kurds, said Ahmet.

"The message of Abdullah Öcalan to be announced at Amed's Newroz will bring peace and freedom not only for the people in Northern Kurdistan, but also for all the peoples in the Middle East," said Ahmet, mentioning the Newroz announcement from the jailed PKK leader expected to be presented at the Diyarbakır celebrations.

(nt)