newroz athina 2013

7/28/2019 Newroz Athina 2013

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Newroz Athina 2013March 2013IRAQ –INFO SPECIAL SECTION

The Ambassador of the Republic of Iraq in Athens, H.E. Mr. Burhan Jaf and Mrs. Anne Jaf hosted forthe third year running a successful celebration of Newroz, the traditional festivity that marks the new

Kurdish year. This year’s event paid tribute to the Kurdish and Greek cultures highlighting the common his-toric ties that bind and share both nations.

To this aim, artists from the Kurdistan Region and various parts of Greece were brought together and col-laborated to deliver a triumphant cultural event that fascinated all attendees.

The Gala took place on the eve of Newroz at the Aegli Zappiou and was attended by high Greek officials,representatives of the Greek Foreign Ministry, the diplomatic corps, ambassadors and diplomatic representa-tives of over 60 embassies; high representatives of NGOs, the Greek Church, the National Defence GeneralStaff, the army and the navy. Numerous political, fashion, business and media personalities were amongstthose that came and honoured the Newroz celebration.

with former Ministers Apostolos Kratsas; Christos Folias, President of AHCC; Spyros Kouvelis; with Amb. Makris, MFA

with Chief of Protocol; Amb. of Morocco & spouse; Amb. of Palestine & CCC Chairman; Amb. Galathianaki, MFA

with Amb. of Argentina; Amb. of Lebanon & spouse; Amb. of Mexico; Amb. of Japan & spouse

with Secretary General of AHCC; Amb. of Tunisia & spouse, Libyan Chargé d’ Affaires and journalist AhmedKanafani; Nicolas & Matti Egon; with chairmen of leading business companies

Ambassador Burhan Jaf & Mrs. Anne Jaf with their children Ardalan and Yerivan



The distinguished guests, friends and the Iraqi community prompt to congratulate the Ambassadorial family and to wish a

happy Newroz. A daffodil flower corsage, the symbol of Newroz, wasgraciously offered upon arrival to guests while fires were lit signaling the beginning of the celebration.

During the reception the attendees had the opportunity to taste anexquisite buffet enriched with Iraqi Kurdish delicacies personally made by the Embassy’s ladies.

The highlights of the event included music and folk dance performances by the Kurdish music groupHaji Zahoyee travelled from the Kurdistan Region, the Union of Pontiac Greeks of Zografou and

the Folk Dance Club “OI RIZES” from Psachna Evias. All artists gave a spectacular performance and provoked all theguests to join the dance floor themselves.

Amb.& Mrs. Jaf presenting commemorative plaque to Union of Pontiac Greeks of Zografou; to Haji Zaxoyee music group; dance picks

with Star Channel PR director, Lola Dayfa; Amb. of Saudi Arabia&spouse; with Emirates Deputy Head; Kazakhstan diplomatic staff

with Amb. Christofillis; with Nicaragua Consul A.H. & spouse presenting gift; guests enjoying the reception

Haji Zaxoyee music group performing; dance picks; dance by the Union of Pontiac Greeks of Zografou; the folk dance group “Oi Rizes”

with MFA Counsellor Karahalios; designer cheers with fashion show team; the Embassy team & community

Happy Newroz !!!



Ambass.& Mrs. Jaf addressing speech; presenting commemorative plaque to designer Liana Pateroni; runway picks;Mrs. Jaf with guests and the working team; designer Liana Pateroni with her team; the hall filled up with guests

Kurdish Fashion Show

Ambassador Jaf and Mrs. Anne Jaf commenced the celebration with a welcoming speech, communicating the true message of Newroz as a new day of liberation

and freedom and stressing that these virtues are fundamental to all aspects of our lives.

The Gala opened with an impressive fashion show comprising creations by Kurdishand Greek designers all inspired by traditional Kurdish clothes and the magic of 1001

Arabian nights. The very promising Kurdish designer Azadeh Saedieh from “ArmanaKurdish Fashion” and the Greek designer Liana Pateroni from “Rita Pateroni FashionHouse” presented their colourful collections that prompt huge appraisal by its audience members.



Many years ago, the despotic king Zuhak ruled over the Kurdish people. Every day, he de-

manded the sacrifice of an innocent young man, in order to prolong his own life. Zuhak’s

evil reign lasted for what seemed like an eternity. Sadly, his evil doings prevented the fresh and

joyful months of spring ever returning to Kurdistan.

Kawa, a Kurdish blacksmith, had lost all but one son to Zuhak’s greed and could not bear the

thought of losing his last! He wanted revenge. He led a large revolt against king Zuhak, and assured the Kurd-

ish people that if they were to be successful, he would light a fire on the mountainside. This would be a sign of

victory! Wielding his hammer in his hand, Kawa steered the rebellion to the gates of Zuhak’s palace, and even-tually killed the evil king! As promised, he lit a great fire on the top of the mountain so all the people knew of

their new found freedom, and spring returned to Kurdistan once again!

Newroz has been celebrated over 3000 years in many nations all over the world. It acts as a symbol of the vic-

tory of goodness over evil, light over darkness, spring over winter and, life over death. Nowadays, the festival

of Newroz promotes values of peace, solidarity and neighbourliness, contributing to cultural diversity and

friendship among different peoples and communities.

Happy Newroz!!!

Issued by the Embassy of the Republic of Iraq-Athens, Greece photos: Dimitris Karabetsos, Costas Costakis

newroz athina 2013

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