21.03.2026 19:40
CHP Deputy Chairman Sezgin Tanrıkulu submitted a bill to the Presidency of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey proposing that March 21, Nevruz Day, be declared an official holiday.
CHP Deputy Chairman and Diyarbakır Member of Parliament Sezgin Tanrıkulu proposed that March 21, Nevruz Bayram, be declared an official holiday by amending the Law on National Holidays and General Holidays with the bill he submitted to the Turkish Grand National Assembly.
"THIS TRADITION, LASTING FOR CENTURIES, HAS PROVIDED A SIGNIFICANT CULTURAL HERITAGE"
The justification for the proposal stated: "The peoples living in the Middle East and Mesopotamia have been celebrating the day of March 21, when the seasonal transition occurs and nature awakens, with ceremonies and festivities for centuries. This tradition, lasting for centuries, has provided a significant cultural heritage. This holiday, which the peoples of the Middle East and Mesopotamia refer to as Noruz/Newroz/Nevruz/Navruz, Nowruz, Naurız, means 'new day.' Escaping from the harsh living conditions imposed by the severe winter climate and reaching spring signifies the common success of peoples in their struggle against nature. The peoples who successfully emerged from the struggle against harsh natural conditions during the winter have continued to celebrate the Newroz/Nevruz Bayram, a ritual that brings them together, unites them, and reconciles them throughout history.
"IT CARRIES GREAT SYMBOLIC MEANING"
March 21 is a bright day when all kinds of enmity, troubles, and pessimism are set aside. At the same time, this day is also a day of reaction against tyrants. Nevruz/Newroz is a day of resistance against dictators who turn springs into winters and drag people into a bloody climate of war.
In Turkey, all peoples, regardless of ethnic affiliation, accept March 21 as a holiday. The peoples living in our country have also celebrated this holiday throughout history. Unfortunately, in the recent political conflict environment, this holiday has been banned almost every time, celebrations have been prohibited, and festivities have been stained with blood. Especially in the 1990s, our country entered spring with bloody scenes. In many countries in the Middle East, March 21 is celebrated as an official holiday. The declaration of this day, which is celebrated as a holiday by all peoples in our country, as an official holiday in Turkey carries great symbolic meaning. This regulation will also be an important step in terms of social peace and reconciliation."