Turkish president sends nowruz message, hopes for peace across region

Saturday 21 March 2026 - 15:00

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan marked the celebration of Nowruz with a message centered on unity, renewal, and peace, expressing hope for stability across a region affected by ongoing tensions.

In a video address delivered during the Nowruz commemoration held in Gaziantep, the Turkish leader highlighted the symbolic importance of the holiday. Traditionally associated with the arrival of spring, Nowruz represents rebirth, renewal, and the strengthening of social bonds across communities.

Erdogan extended his greetings to people celebrating the occasion throughout Türkiye and across the broader Turkic world, emphasizing the shared cultural heritage that unites countries from Central Asia to Eastern Europe. He described the festival as a moment that transcends borders, bringing together diverse nations around common values of solidarity and hope.

“We gather around the Nowruz fire with the same feelings,” he noted, underlining the role of the celebration in fostering a sense of unity among nations with historical and cultural ties.

The Turkish president also pointed to the growing international dimension of Nowruz, describing it as an opportunity to promote dialogue and cooperation among neighboring countries. In this context, he reiterated Türkiye’s commitment to strengthening regional partnerships and cultural connections.

Looking ahead, Erdogan mentioned that Türkiye is set to host an upcoming international gathering focused on family and social cohesion in 2026, reflecting ongoing efforts to reinforce shared values at both national and international levels.

In his message, he also addressed populations in conflict-affected areas, including parts of the Middle East, expressing solidarity with communities facing hardship. He voiced hope that the spirit of Nowruz could contribute to easing tensions and encouraging peaceful solutions.

Concluding his remarks, Erdogan expressed his wish that the season of spring would bring renewed optimism, stability, and prosperity not only to the region but to the world at large.