Legislative proposal from CHP's Tanrıkulu

CHP Deputy Chairman Sezgin Tanrıkulu has proposed an amendment to the Law on National Holidays and General Vacations through a legislative proposal submitted to the Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM), seeking to declare March 21, Nevruz Bayram, an official public holiday.

The following was noted in the justification for the proposal:

"For centuries, the peoples living in the Middle East and Mesopotamia have celebrated March 21, the day when the seasons turn and nature reawakens, with ceremonies and festivities. This centuries-old tradition has brought with it a significant cultural accumulation. This holiday, which the peoples of the Middle East and Mesopotamia call by names such as Noruz/Newroz/Nevruz/Navruz, Nowruz, and Naurız, means 'new day.' Emerging from the living conditions hardened by a harsh winter climate to reach spring signifies the peoples' collective success in their struggle against nature. Having successfully emerged from the struggle against harsh natural conditions throughout the winter season and reaching spring, peoples have continued to celebrate the Newroz/Nevruz holiday throughout history as a ritual that brings them together, unites them, and reconciles them.

March 21 is a bright day when all kinds of hostility, distress, 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 climate of bloody war.

In Turkey, all peoples, regardless of ethnic affiliation, accept March 21 as a holiday. Indeed, the peoples living in our country have also celebrated this holiday throughout history. Unfortunately, in the recent political conflict environment, this holiday has almost always turned into mourning, celebrations have been banned, and festivities have been stained with blood. Especially in the 1990s, our country always entered spring with bloody scenes. In many countries in the Middle East, March 21 is celebrated as an official holiday. Declaring this day, which all peoples in our country celebrate as a holiday, an official holiday in Turkey as well carries great symbolic meaning. This regulation will also be an important step in terms of social peace and reconciliation." 

News Source: 12punto