ANKARA - Nevruz, the world's oldest festival is being celebrated throughout Turkey.
Releasing a statement to mark Nevruz, Turkish President Ahmet Necdet Sezer said, ''Nevruz, which has been celebrated in Anatolia, Central Asia, Caucasus and the Middle East on the first day of spring, is one of the most important examples of our historical and cultural ties with many countries.''
''It is our duty to preserve and inherit our cultural assets bridging the past and the future, bringing societies closer to each other in an atmosphere of peace and affection, and strengthening our social solidarity,'' President Sezer stressed.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said, ''Nevruz festival reminds us the values of affection, tolerance and solidarity, and encourages for a happy, hopeful and peaceful world.''
Nevruz celebrations were called off in central city of Sivas after a landslide buried 15 people under mud on March 17th.
During the celebration in central city of Eskisehir on Sunday, clash erupted between security forces and a group of demonstrators. A policeman was injured. Security forces detained 10 people.
Seven Italian citizens attended Nevruz celebrations in eastern city of Bingol. They sang and danced together with local people.
More than 50 thousand people attended celebrations in eastern city of Van.
In Aegean coastal city of Izmir, police discovered petrol bombs inside a bag left close to the site of Nevruz celebrations. The bag was apparently dumped by participants who realized they would be searched by police before being allowed into the site.
In Istanbul, some 30,000 people crammed into a square surrounded by security forces. In Ankara, some 2,000 participants danced, sang and jumped over fires, symbolically burning away past impurities. Both demonstrations ended peacefully.
Leyla Zana, the former deputy of the banned DEP, attended the celebration in southeastern city of Sanliurfa. Speaking at the celebration, Zana said that they would not allow an atmosphere of violence. She also criticized use of force by police during a demonstration in Istanbul on March 6th to mark the International Women's Day.
Turkish Minister of Culture & Tourism Atilla Koc said Nevruz did not belong to any ethnic group, adding that, ''this is the day of whole Middle East, Turkish world and the humanity as a whole.''
Making a keynote speech at the opening of Nevruz festival held in Ataturk Culture Center, Koc said Nevruz was a day symbolizing love and initiating re-birth.
-DIYARBAKIR-
Democratic People's Party (DEHAP) leader Tuncer Bakirhan wished Nevruz to be an opportunity for the unity, integrity and peace while addressing the activities held to celebrate Nevruz.
-KAYSERI-
Nevruz was celebrated with various activities in central Anatolian city of Kayseri. Folk dances were performed within the framework of the activities.
-ISTANBUL-
A festival was held in Sultanahmet Square in Istanbul to celebrate Nevruz. Istanbul Governor Muammer Guler, speaking at the festival, stated that, ''Nevruz is a day to strengthen national unity, and ensure integrity with the Turkish World and friendly countries.''
-AYDIN-
Aydin Governor Mustafa Malay, speaking during the festivities stated that Nevruz was a festival heralding the arrival of spring and strengthening ties between nature and human beings.
Malay said Nevruz was celebrated to strengthen feelings of tolerance and helping one another and to protect cultural values.
-CANAKKALE-
During the celebrations held in Canakkale Onsekiz Mart University, lecturer Aziz Kilinc said, ''Nevruz, known as the symbol of coming of spring and salvation, is being celebrated in many places where Turks live.''
-DENIZLI-
On the other hand, Denizli Governor Gazi Simsek said some ethnic groups perceived Nevruz as a rebellion to split up the country.