A-Biruni, whose writings on Nowruz are considered the richest and most reliable sources, states: “Nowruz is the first day of Farvardin (the first month of the Iranian calendar), and it was called the ‘new day’ because it is the beginning of the year.”
Nowruz is the oldest surviving festival from ancient times, marking the beginning of the solar new year. Its origins date back to periods before the Achaemenids and the Medes. Over time, Nowruz gradually acquired multiple religious, official, and political aspects. This festival has deep roots in the history, mythology, religion, and social life of the people of the Iranian plateau and surrounding regions, including ECO member countries.
In Iranian mythology, the origin of Nowruz is attributed to Jamshid, the legendary king of Iran. According to Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh, Jamshid named the day he ascended the throne and renewed the world as “Nowruz.” In mythology, Nowruz symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and the beginning of a new order and life.
Historical evidence shows that Nowruz has been officially celebrated in Iran at least since the Achaemenid period (550 BCE). During the Parthian and Sassanian periods, Nowruz was the most important official festival, lasting several days. In the Sassanian era, Nowruz was divided into two parts: Nowruz-e- Amma (the first five days) and Nowruz-e Khassa (the sixth day, known as Khordad Day).
With the advent of Islam in Iran, Nowruz did not disappear; instead, it adapted to Islamic concepts. Many Islamic scholars and jurists accepted Nowruz as a cultural tradition. During the Samanid, Ghaznavid, and Seljuk periods, Nowruz remained an official festival, and great poets such as Ferdowsi, Rudaki, Hafez, and Saadi wrote poems in its praise.
Today, Nowruz is celebrated in ECO member countries and in some other countries such as Iraq and parts of India. In 2010, the United Nations officially recognized March 21 as International Nowruz Day. Nowruz is also listed as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.
In the Avesta, the sacred book of Zoroastrians, Nowruz is not mentioned directly, but concepts such as Farvardegan, the resurrection of nature, and the connection of humans with cosmic order align with Nowruz practices. Pahlavi texts also refer to the beginning of spring and the renewal of the world.
Uzbekistan: Nowruz has roots in the ancient civilizations of Central Asia, when the people of the region were influenced by Iranian and Central Asian cultures. The festival symbolized the renewal of nature, the start of spring, and the beginning of the agricultural year. Historical records show that people in Khwarezm, Samarkand, and Bukhara celebrated Nowruz with fire rituals, festivities, and religious and cultural ceremonies. With the arrival of Islam, Nowruz continued and merged with Islamic cultural and religious elements. During the Soviet era (1924–1991), Nowruz was suppressed due to its association with “religious and national rituals,” limiting public celebrations to local and family practices. After independence in 1991, Nowruz was revived as an official national festival.
Afghanistan: Nowruz has a history of over 3,000 years and was celebrated in pre-Islamic times in Greater Khorasan, which included Afghanistan and parts of Central Asia. Cities like Herat, Balkh, Kabul, and Kandahar have long been centers of Nowruz celebrations. While the festival has always been important, its celebration has varied depending on political conditions. In recent times, the Afghan government officially celebrated Nowruz as a national holiday. However, after the Taliban returned to power in 2021, there have been no official nationwide celebrations reported. It is no longer an official public holiday, but some people still observe traditional Nowruz rituals at home.
Azerbaijan: Nowruz dates back to ancient and pre-Islamic cultures. Originally an agricultural and seasonal festival, it marked the beginning of spring and the solar new year. After Islam arrived, Nowruz persisted and merged with Islamic culture, although some ancient rituals took on religious aspects. During the Soviet era, certain celebrations were restricted, but people in cities like Baku, Ganja, and Shirvan continued to observe Nowruz. Today, it is celebrated as a national and cultural festival and is included in UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
Pakistan: Nowruz is not a “national festival” but holds significance in certain regions and communities. After Islam spread in the Indian subcontinent, especially during the Ghaznavid and later Mughal periods, Nowruz was recognized and sometimes celebrated at royal courts and among elites. Today, it is primarily a cultural and identity festival among specific communities, such as the Baloch, some mountain communities, Ismaili and Twelver Shia groups, and Parsis, who celebrate it as an important religious and cultural holiday.
Tajikistan: In pre-Islamic times, Nowruz had a special place in the lands of Farāruḏ, including modern Tajikistan. After the arrival of Islam, Nowruz adapted to Islamic culture. During the Samanid period, it was celebrated officially at court and among the people. After independence in 1991, Nowruz was reinstated as an official national festival.
Turkey: Nowruz has a slightly different history and is primarily associated with Kurdish communities and some Turkmen groups. In southeastern Turkey (provinces such as Diyarbakır, Van, and Mardin), Nowruz is particularly significant. It was introduced from Iran and Iraqi Kurdistan. During the Ottoman and early Republican periods, it remained an ethnic and local festival rather than a national one. Since the early 21st century, it has gained broader recognition as a cultural and social celebration. Nowruz represents both a spring festival and a symbol of Kurdish identity and culture. In recent years, the Turkish government has gradually accepted Nowruz as part of the official cultural heritage.
Turkmenistan: Nowruz has been celebrated since the times of the Iranian and Sogdian empires in Central Asia. During the Soviet period, many traditional religious and national celebrations were restricted, but Nowruz remained culturally significant and continued locally and within families. After independence, the government emphasized national identity and culture, recognizing Nowruz as a major national festival, with official holidays (usually two days) included in the national calendar.
Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan: Nowruz has ancient roots dating back to pre-Islamic times. After Islam arrived, some religious elements were added, but ancient aspects were preserved. Today, Nowruz is celebrated as an important cultural heritage and considered a national festival. During the Soviet era, celebrations were officially restricted but continued locally and within families. Now, Nowruz serves to promote historical heritage and social unity in both countries.