DAMASCUS: Ahmad Al-Sharaa, the head of the interim government in Syria, has issued a decree designating Nowruz as a “national holiday” with paid leave across the Arab Republic of Syria, celebrating it as a symbol of spring and fraternity. The decree prohibits ethnic and linguistic discrimination, mandates governmental institutions to promote inclusive national messages, and establishes penalties for inciting ethnic conflicts. Additionally, the rights of Kurdish Syrians have been affirmed, their language recognized, and citizenship rights restored to all. Nowruz, the ancient celebration marking the arrival of spring and the New Year, symbolizes the rebirth of nature and is celebrated in countries such as Iran, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, and others. In contrast, the Taliban removed Nowruz from Afghanistan’s official calendar after regaining power, a move that cultural observers have described as “against national culture.”
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