Scholars debate the origins of Novruz. It is often linked with the oldest of the monotheist religions, Zorastrianism, whose scripture, the Avesta, refers to the name Novruz. The Zoroastrian Novruz was a joyful celebration of the arrival of light and warmth after the cold dark winter. Another theory is that Novruz goes back to ancient Mesopotamia. In Babylon New Year was celebrated on the 21st of the month of Nisan (March-April) and the holiday lasted 12 days. In Persian, Nowruz means "new day" and in Turkic countries the spring holiday used to be called Turan. The holiday is called Tura to this day by the Chuvash people in the Russian Federation.
Novruz has been banned in Azerbaijan at different times: it was forbidden in the 7th century, when Azerbaijan was ruled by the Arab Caliphate, and centuries later by the Bolsheviks. The bans did not work, as the roots of the holiday are too strong. In spring 1967, the Communist Party allowed the celebration of the holiday on the initiative of writer and dramatist Shikhali Gurbanov, ideological secretary of the Azerbaijani Communist Party. On 13 March 1990, a decree of the Supreme Soviet of the Azerbaijani SSR permitted Novruz celebrations at the state level. Novruz has been an official holiday in Azerbaijan ever since.
source: news.az
picture courtesy of AzTV
