Millions celebrate Nowruz festival in Turkey
Nowruz, a joyful occasion marking the ending of winter and the reawakening of nature, is celebrated across a vast region from largely Kurdish areas of northern Iraq and Turkey to central Asian countries and western China. It also marks the beginning of a new calendar year in Iran, and is the biggest holiday on the calendar.
Schools close down for several weeks, people buy presents and special foods, observe specific rituals and visit family and friends. This year the Iran's oil ministry has given the country's motorists, hard-pressed by petrol rationing in recent months, a special Nu Ruz gift allowing them to buy extra petrol during the holiday period, albeit at higher prices.
Nowruz in Turkey
Nowruz is also New Year for Iraq's Kurds, many of whom head to the countryside or mountains to picnic. But it is often a more tense affair in neighbouring Turkey. Known there as Newrouz, it has traditionally become a time when some Turkish Kurds to take to the streets to demonstrate support for the armed Kurdish militant group, the PKK - something which has often provoked violent clashes with Turkish security forces. However this times not like years a go, Turkish Kurds enjoying their festivals.
Meanwhile, in Afghanistan, the main Nowruz ceremonies will be taking place amid tight security, following the increasing violence of the past year. But many Afghans will also use the time to watch traditional buzkashi matches or camel fights, go to funfairs, attend picnics, or listen to special Nowruz music. 22/03/08
"HAPPY NEWROZ TO EVERYONE AROUND THE GLOBE"
ALTINKUM DIDIM AKBUK NEWS BY DIDIM TODAY NEWS
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