The Enthusiasm of Nevruz Celebrations Across the Turkic World

From Turkistan to the Balkans, March 21 is celebrated annually as Nevruz Bayramı, incorporating local traditions and beliefs.

Celebrated every year on March 21, Nevruz Bayramı stands out as a day that symbolizes the arrival of spring, with each nation embedding it within its own cultural values.

Prof. Dr. Serdar Uğurlu, Head of the Turkish Folk Literature Department at Bolu Abant İzzet Baysal University (BAİBÜ) Faculty of Science and Letters, described Nevruz as a sacred beginning, stating, "March 21 marks the end of harsh winter, misfortunes, illnesses, troubles, and difficulties, and the start of a new year filled with health, well-being, abundance, and prosperity."

Uğurlu emphasized that Nevruz, celebrated across a vast region, represents the awakening of the earth, the arrival of spring, and a symbol of brotherhood, friendship, and solidarity.

Highlighting its importance for communities engaged in animal husbandry, Uğurlu explained, "The new year and spring have been considered sacred and celebrated because it is the time when fresh grass begins to grow, allowing animals to graze on green pastures once again. Nevruz is a sacred beginning because it signifies the end of winter's hardships and the start of a prosperous new year on March 21."

He further noted that for Turks, all sacred beginnings are equated with Nevruz, adding, "For instance, March 21 is the day of emergence from Ergenekon and is even considered the day of Adam’s creation. That is also a sacred beginning. March 21 is also regarded as the day Hacı Bektaş Veli arrived in Anatolia."

"The Tradition of Celebrating Nevruz Has Persisted for Centuries in the Turkic World"

Uğurlu pointed out that while the tradition of celebrating Nevruz has been upheld for centuries in the Turkic world, its observance in Anatolia is not as strong and vibrant as before. He suggested that civil society organizations and relevant institutions should take steps to revive and promote its widespread celebration.

"With the contributions of these institutions and organizations, national festivals like this should continue to be observed through traditional village plays, fire-lighting ceremonies, and fire-jumping rituals," he stated.

Sharing details of local celebrations, Uğurlu mentioned that in the Seben district of Bolu, the Nevruz fire is lit annually on Nevruz Hill, located at an altitude of 1,400 meters.

"On March 21, a fire is lit on this hill to announce Nevruz. Since it appears to ignite by itself from a distance, it is called the 'Sacred Fire' in the region. There are similar fire-lit hills in Bolu, Mudurnu, Göynük, and various parts of Anatolia," he explained.

Emphasizing that Nevruz encompasses the entire Turkic world, Uğurlu highlighted that its rituals are practiced in similar ways across different regions, with the Nevruz fire symbolizing the continuation of an ancient tradition.

Nevruz Celebrations in Kyrgyzstan

In Kyrgyzstan, Nevruz Bayramı, symbolizing the arrival of spring, was celebrated with great enthusiasm.

The Bishkek City Municipality organized a celebration event at Turdakun Usubaliyev Square, attended by Cabinet of Ministers Chairman Adılbek Kasımaliyev, Bishkek Mayor Aybek Cunuşaliyev, municipal officials, association representatives, and citizens.

The event began with a theatrical performance depicting the arrival of Nevruz and nature’s awakening, followed by a staged representation of inviting people to plant crops.

"Nevruz is a Part of Our Spiritual Culture"

Congratulating the public on Nevruz Bayramı, Kasımaliyev remarked, "Nevruz is a part of our spiritual culture and a traditional festival of Eastern civilization."

Expressing his wish for lasting harmony and prosperity in Kyrgyzstan, Kasımaliyev stated, "May the fire of unity and well-being always burn in the hearts of our multinational people, and may the tables of abundance never be empty."

Recalling that this year Nevruz coincided with the holy month of Ramadan, he extended his wishes for accepted prayers and fasting.

Kasımaliyev also emphasized that the peaceful resolution of the border issue between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan is a significant "festival" for the people of both countries.

During the celebrations, traditional Kyrgyz customs were showcased in specially set-up yurts, while outdoor spaces hosted traditional games. The event concluded with performances by children’s and adult folklore groups and a concert by local artists.

Chairman of the Aksakals (Elders) Council, Ömürbek Ümetaliyev, extended his greetings for both Nevruz Bayramı and the month of Ramadan to all Muslims.

President Caparov Welcomed Nevruz in Osh

Meanwhile, Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov participated in the festivities organized by the Osh municipality.

Speaking at the event, Caparov stated, "We have set a path to build a new Kyrgyzstan, and we are striving to establish order in every sector to achieve this goal."

He also highlighted the recent resolution of border issues with neighboring countries, emphasizing the progress made in this regard.

Nevruz Celebrations in Turkmenistan

Recognized on UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, Nevruz Bayramı is being celebrated with joy and enthusiasm across the Turkic region, including Turkmenistan.

The main festivities are being held in the Nevruz Plateau of Anev city, where a traditional Turkmen village has been set up.

The celebrations, attended by government officials, representatives of public institutions, and diplomats, featured the preparation of the traditional dessert "semeni" as a wish for a prosperous year, along with performances by Ahalteke horses.

A two-day public holiday has been declared in the country, and concerts are being held as part of the celebrations.

Ongoing Nevruz Festivities in Kazakhstan

In Kazakhstan, Nevruz Bayramı, a harbinger of spring, is being celebrated with various events.

To mark the occasion, a five-day public holiday has been declared, and traditional Kazakh village-style setups have been established in the capital, Astana.

White yurts have been erected in designated areas, hosting concerts, folk dance performances, and traditional sports competitions.

An exhibition showcasing traditional handicrafts is also available, where visitors are treated to "Nevruz Köje," a staple of Kazakhstan’s Nevruz feast.

Children eagerly line up to take photos with eagles and tazy hunting dogs.

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev attended the Nevruz celebration at the Expo Fair Center in Astana, extending his greetings to the public.

"Since ancient times, our ancestors have celebrated this festival as the moment when night and day become equal and life is revived," Tokayev stated.

He emphasized the symbolic significance of Nevruz coinciding with Ramadan, saying, "Our traditions are deeply connected to our faith."

Tokayev also noted that Nevruz Bayramı has a unique atmosphere in Kazakhstan, attracting foreign visitors interested in exploring the country’s rich cultural heritage.

Nevruz Festivities in Azerbaijan

In Baku, the historic İçərişəhər (Old City) was the focal point of Nevruz celebrations, drawing large crowds.

The festivities featured performances by various music groups, while stalls showcased traditional food, clothing, and handicrafts.

Among the highlights were lively performances by "Kosa and Keçel" and "Bahar Kız," folk dance groups, and thrilling acrobatic shows.

A grand Nevruz fire was lit in İçərişəhər Square, where attendees gathered around to witness the performances.

With both Nevruz and Ramadan Bayramı approaching, Azerbaijan has declared a public holiday until March 31, extending the celebrations.

Azerbaijan’s Nevruz Traditions

Azerbaijanis begin preparing for Nevruz a month in advance, celebrating it through four special Tuesdays: Water, Fire, Wind, and Earth Tuesdays.

On Water Tuesday, water is sprinkled around the house; on Fire Tuesday, bonfires are lit in neighborhoods, and candles are lit for each family member.

Wind Tuesday follows similar customs, leading up to the main celebration on Earth Tuesday, which involves lighting large fires in neighborhoods and preparing festive meals.

Jumping over fire while saying, "May my burdens and troubles stay in the fire," fortune-telling with rings, egg painting, and rooster fights are among the traditional Nevruz customs in Azerbaijan.

SOURCE: VEDAT KURT