Far-Flung Postcards is a weekly sequence wherein NPR’s worldwide correspondents share moments from their lives and work world wide.
With their pink loafers and scarves and sashaying, it is nearly like these males, by linking their arms and dancing their hearts out, are in a position to briefly erase the horrors that occurred right here.
Throughout Syria’s conflict, Afrin — a majority-Kurdish space within the north — suffered kidnappings by ISIS, airstrikes, sexual violence and torture.
I would final visited Syria earlier than all of that occurred, and had by no means been to Afrin. So for me, this area with a darkish previous is now indelibly simply these joyous scenes from once I lastly did go to in March — of Kurdish individuals celebrating the springtime Nowruz pageant with extra fervor than in many years.
What you may’t see listed below are the glowing turquoise waters of Maydanki Lake behind them and a patchwork of picnic blankets strewn with contemporary flowers. What you may’t hear is ululating voices, drums and wood flutes. What I hope you may sense, although, is resilience.
Many minority Kurds celebrated Nowruz in secret beneath the repressive rule of the Assad household, and fled through the conflict. Now they’re coming dwelling — and dancing.
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