Under the dictatorship in Syria, many Kurds were forced to celebrate Newroz, their New Year, in secrecy to avoid retaliation from the regime. Now, after decades of discrimination, Newroz has been recognized as a national holiday in Syria, marking a significant milestone in the Kurdish struggle for recognition and identity. Shams Antar, a Kurdish author and activist from Qamishli, highlighted this change, stating that the holiday serves as a confirmation of their existence and cultural identity.

Reflecting on her childhood, Antar recounted how she had to warn her family of approaching security police while they celebrated in hiding. For many years, the celebration was marred by fear and repression, as Kurds were not allowed to openly express their culture or language. The situation began to change in the 1980s, when she finally participated in public celebrations, experiencing the heightening of her cultural identity as adults sang and recited poetry in Kurdish.

The recognition of Newroz as a national holiday, over a year after the Assad regime's past practices of suppression, symbolizes a pivotal shift in the rights of Kurds in Syria. It not only celebrates their rich cultural heritage but also indicates a growing acceptance and acknowledgment of their existence in a country where they have faced systemic discrimination for decades, signaling hope for further progress in their quest for self-determination and equality.