Kurds, Assyrians criticize cultural holidays exclusion from Syrian calendar
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Several Kurdish and Assyrian organizations in Syria expressed on Monday strong criticism over the exclusion of key cultural holidays, including Newroz and Akitu, from the official holiday calendar issued by the Syrian transitional government.
Faisal Youssef, spokesperson for the Kurdish National Council in Syria (in Kurdish known as ENKS), described the omission of Newroz—a holiday with deep cultural and historical significance for the Kurdish people—as “a continuation of the marginalization and deliberate exclusion of an indigenous component of Syrian society.”
He emphasized that Newroz symbolizes freedom, dignity, and the renewal of life, and asserted that “its flame will remain alive despite attempts to diminish its importance.”
The Assyrian Democratic Organization in Syria and the Syriac Cultural Association also voiced their discontent over the absence of Akitu, the Assyrian-Babylonian New Year, from the list of official holidays.
In statements, both organizations highlighted the historical and cultural significance of Akitu, stressing that recognizing it is a matter of acknowledging Syria’s diverse national fabric rather than a sectarian demand.
They called on the Syrian transitional government to revise its official holiday calendar to include these culturally significant celebrations, underlining that doing so would demonstrate respect for the country’s multiethnic, multicultural, and historical heritage.
On Sunday, Syria’s Transitional President Ahmad al-Sharaa issued a decree setting the country’s national holidays and public festivals. The decree overlooked the holidays and festivals of all other Syrian components.