Nowruz and Geography of Its Cultural Domain

THE THIRD INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM OF MOUNT ARARAT AND NOAH'S ARK

lll. ULUSLARARASI AGRI~ DAGI~ VE NUH'UN GEMiSi SEMPOlYUMU

Edited by - Editör 1' Prof. Dr. OKTAY BELLi "THE THIRD INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM OF MOUNT ARARAT AND NOAH'S ARK" "III. ULUSLARARASI AGRI DAGI VE NUH'UN GEMİSİ SEMPOZYUMU",

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ll NOWRUZ AND GEOGRAPHY OF ITS CULTURAL DOMAIN

Reza HEİDARİ* Reyhane AFİFİ** Introduction: based on solar calendar. The ancient Iranians owruz is the most ancient and biggest didn't classified the years as seasons .Sometirnes; intangible cornmon cultures of nations it was included two seasons, (e.g.lO-month N which were available in extended areas winter and 2-month summer, respectively.) from china to Mediterranean, altogether. We And, the other time the summer was considered call this vast area, Culhıral domain of Nowruz, seven months (from farvardin to Aban) and the (Mir shokraie, 2002 p-13). The cultures of na winter was considered fi.ve month (from Aban tions located in N owruz domain consist of all to Forvardin). But fi.nally from a relatively old behavioural, mental and experimental features time it classified into four seasons which was of people, who were bom, worked and lived included three months. Moreover, the year and in this area. If they imrnigrated another place, month of Soghdions, Khwarizrni, Sistarus in east, they were taken iit and transferred it to their Cappadocians and Armenians in west of Iran children . are more or less as same as lranian. This culture arose from the history, had a lot of up and down, crossed from many routes, Nowruz history: and now, it inherited us. If the permanency and The antiquity of Nowruz in Iran and west dynamic is considered as criteria, the culture Asia cause in creating mythical themes in dif of Nowruz domain would perceive as most ferent periods. Although, it can't be imagined live, dynamic and permanent culture of world. a certain date for N owruz oldness but there is (Map, No.1) found the traces of Nowruz mythical myths Undoubtedly, the primary cafeulation of in first millennium B.C and after on. (Esmaiel season's change in all societies had performed poor, 2003, p-45) In persian literture , Nowruz

· Reza HEİDARİ, Archaeologist, Cultural Handcraft and Turism Organisation of West Azarbaijan Urmia-West Azarbaijan-IRAN, e-mail: [email protected], re_heydari®gmail.com •• Reyhane AFİFİ, Archaeologist, Cultural Handcraft and Turism Organisation of West Azarbaijan Urmia-West Azarbaijan-IRAN, e-mail: [email protected], re_heydari®gmail.com

75 NOWRUZ AND GEOGRAPHY OF ITS CULTURAL DOMAIN

tives in Nowruz and of sprinkling one another with water (Razi, 2001, p-299-300) Most mythical narrations were considered pishdadi, period as the time of Nowruz exis tence and Jamshid as forth pishdadi, king, the founder of new day and its customs Jamshid as a mundane charactristic, was a most lovely one in Iran ancient era (Belko Bashi, 2007-p-13-14)

Nowruz Customs:

The Geagraplıical map ofNoıvruz domain Countries 1- Spring- cleaning: celebration is attributed to the early kings such Spring deaning or khane- tekani (literature, as most other customs, cultures and civilizations shaking the house) in an Iranian tradition and the poets and outhors of 4th the and s~h(A.H) part of the Nowruz festival It usually involves such as ferdowsi, Manochehvi, Onsori, Biruni, washing carpets, painting the house and elean Tabari, Masudi, Maskoye, Gardizi and several ing the yard and attic. Some heavy furniture' s other ones. That ıındoubtedly their histoncal such as carpets and curtains are washed only and mythical resources were pre- Islamic liter once ina year. In some cases, try to change the ture, dated Nowruz celebration as for back to house decoration in order to make it beautiful the veign of Jamshid. It is Noted afew samples and different in villages, it is also done - by as follow: As Jamshid constructed a throne for dearing and dusting the house and trimming himself In this day sat on it and demons raise the walls white. dhim above the earth in to the heavons. One day he ascends from Damovond Mountain to Baby 2-Sprouting Sabzeh: lon. The people gathered in wonder about him and called this day. The New day, for honoring Sprouting sabzeh (sprouting green shoots of this day, they always swing .Another authors' vegetables or horns) is considered as inseparable noted that as Salomon lost his ring, he missed part of Nowruz celebration. It was also done the kingdam but finally after to days, he found in past along with customs that had symbolic it and ruled the people again and the birds nature. surrounded him. Iranians said Nowruz com Primarily, this tradition was supplied almost which means the new days come. Solomon en a month to Nowruz Based on narrations 25 days countered a swallow while being carried across before Nowruz, 12 pillars of mud. Brick were the sky on his throne. Afraid that her nest full built araund the courtyard. At the top of each of eggs. She said o king, there is a nest for me pillar, was planted various kinds of grains. The and I have several eggs in it, please, go another sixth day of Nowruz whid1 called khordad Ruz way and avoid my nest. The Salomon readily or big Nowruz, the products were cropped w hile changed his way and when he got down from singing songs and playing musical instrument. his throne, the grate full swallow offered him The pillars were preserved till the 16 days of far the leg of a locust and sprinkled water over him. vardin, then the pillars were destroyed, the grains The offering to the king is said to explain the which grew better, were chose as the healthy custom of presenting gifts to friends and rela- crop of sprouts. (Razi, 2001, p-356) Nowadays,

76 REZA HEiDARi- REVHANE AFiFi it is common that people sprout grains such as friends by food or sweat meat and gather around wheat , lentil, vetch , and so on ... in big and the grave. They also go to the pilgrimage or smail dishes, bowls, potteries to puttheman shrine before the transition to the New Year. Haft- sin table. These are saved until the final day (Robol Amini, 2006, p-58) of Nowruz, sizdeh bedar. In this day farnilies go on picnics. Taking along with them the sabzeh and toss them into a stream of running water. 5- The last Wednesday of the year (Rohol Amini, 1997. p-56)(Fig,No.1) (Charshanbeh- suri):

3-the New -year Shopping: Arabs were perceived every Wednesday of the week as well as the 13'h day of each month New-year shopping is one of the traditional unlucky and miserable. This Arabic belief was customs of Nowruz. Based on this tradition, adopted by Iranians after their attack to Iran. Iranians go shopping and try to begin New For avoiding its miserable darnage. Iranians Year by wearing new cloths.They believe that were holding celebrations. (Fig, No.2) it has good omen for them. After days before It can be concluded that newly- Muslim Ira- Nowruz, Jranians buy a mirror, take it home and nians, tried to avoid its miserable consequences, use it in Nowruz table setting. The historians so they were holding celebrations and setting fire of safavid and Qajar periods were noted abut as ancient Iranians who set fire and sung mu to people' s fine cloths dressings. Buying new sic' s. They also thought that the last Wednesday cloths and some furniture' s which need repair of the year is the miserable one. (Belko bashi, consist the basic seasonal or annual expenditures 2007, p-53-54) the tradition includes as people of farnilies in Nowıuz. The mournful farnilies, who wear black, change their cloths especially in go into the streets and alleys to make bonfires transition moment to New Year. (Rohol Amini, and jump over them while singing a traditional 1997, p-58) song Zardi-ye man az to, Sokhi ye to az man; this literally translates to my yellowness from 4- The last Thursday of the year: you, your redness for me, with the figurative massage my paleness cpain, sickness) for you One of the traditions before N owruz is to (the fire) your strength chealtch) for me. After commemorate the de ceased one people goes the bonfires bun1, the remained ashes must to the cementry, cook food and give the others. Zoroastrians believe that the soul of deceased be put in a container, take in out of home and one never forgets whom he or she laves, and every year he /she come back to him/ her home in farvardin. It is customary that the people visit the cemeteries or go to pilgrimage in last Thursday of the year or the day before Nowruz or the morning of the first day of Nowruz the farnilies put food, bread, sweetmeat and date on the grave of deceased one and light candles or lanterns on the grave of newly deceased. In some cities of Iran it is customary the moumful farnilies entertain their relatives and

77 NOWRUZ AND GEOGRAPHY OF ITS CULTURAL DOMAIN

of spring, instrumental and vocal. The songs are very different and so colorful The folkloric group' s performing is an old custom in Iran .The oldest of these players were Kose- bar - Neshin (A Nowruz folklore tradition, the viding of the thin-bearded) , Atash - Afrooz and mir Nowruz or temporary king of Nowruz times ( A Nowruz folklore tradition) . (Belkobashi, 2007.p-35)(Fig,No.3)

Sprouting sabzeh in Nowruz 7-Haft-sin: This napery (Haft- sin table setting) was throw across the wall. Some one, who throws prepared a few hours to new - year beginning them out, must retum home while knocking the and laid ana surface higher than ground. Haft door. A voice inside home asks who it is. And sin was placed ona seven materials which was he or she answers it's me. The voice says: where a holy number. Toran shahryari, the lecturer of were you? And he or she says. I was in wedding Zoroastrian society believe that. The holiness party. The voice says what do you bring? And of seven numbers belongs to Mehr custom or he /she says heath (Razi, 2001, p-254) Mitra. And dated back to the old years in this There are several other traditions on this custom there were seven stages for people to night including : the ritual of kuze shekastan reach high position before God. So1 the seven literally means the breaking of earthen joys numbers was honored by human being before which symbolically hold ones bad fortune, q Zoroaster and it was seen in different customs ashogh- zany (spoon beating ) fat - Gush or N ith different symbols such as seven heavens, inferring one's future from the conversations seven seas, seven plants ... The histoncal evidences of those passing by; Fat-kozeh (fortune telling are also noted Haft - sin setting in memory of by putting glass beads or any smail things in a Seven Emshaspandon- Based on these evidences pottery. Some one read a meaningful poem and the seven Emshaspandan were included: a child take beads one the poems are based on one's wish , koze - shekani (breaking pottery ) Ahora mazda (means the wise leader), Ho charshanbeh- suri bonfires, charshanbeh suri man (the good thought ) urdibehesht (purity nuts, and so on ..... The ritual of Qashogh- zani and truth) shahrivar ( the desired monarchy (spoon beating) symbolizes the beating out the with etemal country), sepandar Mazd (love last unlucky Wednesday of the year. and devoutness) khordad ( audibility and per fection) and Amrdad (the plants guardian). 6- Nowruz khani (New Year songs): However , most historical resources pointed The folkloric popular players and singers out that haft- sin was originally Haft- sin and perform energetic songs for people to make later it became to Haft sin. Haft sin included : them happy. Nowruz has special songs called shame (candle), sharab ( wine) shirini ( cookie) Nowruz khani that is played one week before , shahd( honey), shemshad( box tree), sharbat ( the first day of Nowruz. When the old year is juice) and shaghayegh( com poppy) or shakhe finished, popular musicians perform many songs nabat. Another resource noted to the haft -chin as a belief in pre- lslamic Iran. The lectures of

78 REZA HEiDARi- REVHANE AFiFi

The lnst wednes day (charshan beh- sud) of the year

Zoroastrian society says that in Achaemenid garlic), serkeh( vinegar), samanu( sweet pud- period , they were putiing seven kinds of food ding made from wheat germ) and soon. on seven Chinese wares which called haft chin Holy book is one of the major bases of or hatf chidani.( Haft - chidani - meant some Nowruz setiing and each family, based on their things that laid on a napery or setiing ) later , religion, put their holy book on it. in sassanid era , Haft - shin became custom Samaım: (sweet pudding made from wheat ary among Iranians . And shemshad (box tree) genn) symbolizing fertility of plants and prepare along the shin' s of N owruz, laid on a setiing as from wheat sprout. a symbol of etemality and greenness. After sassanid dynasty falling, when the Iranians accepted Sib (apple ): is also the symbol of fertility Islam as their religion, were trying to keep the and fruitfulness. In the past, apple was also ancient customs and beliefs as before. kept in pathos and people gave it to each other So, as in Islam drinking sharab (wine) is as gift before Nowruz. It is said that apple was forbidden, they chose its equal, namely vinegar related to fertility, so a Darvish (Mendicant) (Serkeh). Consequently, shin changed to sin. cut an apple in two equal parts, he gave one However , it is on old belief that all the half to wife and the other half to husband, so family members must be gathered around the in this rnatter, husband and wife released form white haft sin napery in spring equinox and put sterility. 7 growing food which begin with S word these Senjed (dried oleaster fruit) symbolizes are the symbol of abundance of agricultural love and is the basic prelirninary of birth, some products and crops such as sib( apple), sabzeh( people believe that the smell of bud and leaves grass), senjed( oleaster), sumag( sumac) sir ( of oleaster tree rnotivate love.

79 NOWRUZ AND GEOGRAPHY OF ITS CULTURAL DOMAIN

Serkeh( vinegar): symbolizing old - age and patience. Candle: symbolizing light and bright. Several other items such as eeclar branch, pomegranate grains, Catkin flower , orange juice , bread and Cheese , candie stick are also included in Haft sin setting .(Rohol Antini, ı999, p-52) - ( fig, No.4) There are a lot of narrations about haft sin irnportance among people. some instances in Nowruz khani befor new year cluded as following : At the time of new year beginning all the family members must be Sabzeh (wheat or any other planted grain) gather around the Haft- sin with a coin in their symbolized freshness, greenness and indication hands because they believe it is good omen. In of human being life and his/ her relevance to the contrary - the will be vagrant or wandered nature. until the net year. The candie which lightened In the past, the grains were planted on seven in Haft sin airning at health, must bum at last or twelve pillars which were the holy number, of with out puffing, other wise, they life time be zodiac. In ancient era, 20 days before Nowruz, come short. If someone wants to extinguish the 12 pillars of mud bricks were provided and candle, must be doing it by two green leave.In different kinds of grains were planted on thern. general, some one who firstly enters the home They believed that the grain which grew better must be lucky one and says many happy rest had a better crop. urns of the day. Every one who makes happi In the 6th day of farvardin, there were ness in this day will be happy until the next cropped and spread in alls as the syrnbol of year. (Razi, 200ı, p-404-405)(Fig, NO.S) bliss and fertility. Sir (Garlic) symbolizing medicine and 8- N owruz visitations: health. Another traditional custom of Nowruz is Sumaq (surnac fruit) syrnbolizing flavor, visitation. It is usual that the first day of Nowruz motive of happiness in life and the color of belong to the visiting of elders and scientific or sunrise. social characteristics.lt is also customary, when Egg. Symbolizing light and it must be pres in previous year, a family member deceased; the ent on the setting. relatives go to visit that family first. In addition water and fish (gold fish): symbolizing to the third, seventh and 4Qth day of rnourning abundance and bliss in life. Fish put on setting which is rnostly held in rnosque, the rnournful as a syrnbol of Esfand( the last month of the family stay at home in the first day of Nowruz, year in Esfand). even if more than. ı ı months passed ones death, S eke( coins) : symbolizing of Emshaspand for visitor' s reception. In this day, the visitors beg shahrivar ( the metal guardian) and is chosen the rnournful rnembers to take out their black in the purpose of bliss and more income. cloths.This tradition is continued until ı3th day of Nowruz between families and friends. For the

80 REZA HEiDARi - REVHANE AFiFi

persons who have daily works this visitations Year festival which a accompanied by family perform at nights.(Rohol Amini,1999.p-63-64) picnics out of home in the out doors. (Farah Vashi, 1976,p-67) 9- N owruz offerings: The belief for bad fortune and miserably Another traditional customs of Nowruz is of this day is on ancient one which is available Nowruz of firings. Nowruz zaneh( literally means in different cultures and among most nations Nowruz gifts) was popular among different class and tribes (Belko bashi, 2001, p-90). As 13 men of people in Iran. (Belkobash, 2007, p-83) presented in Jesus last dinner and one of them The histarical books noted to a lot of gifts became treacherous to him, the Christians never and offerings specifies to pre Islamic and after present in 13 around a dinner table. Arabs believe - Islam period, from public to kings, govemors that every l3lh day of each month is miserable from kings, from govemors. To ministers and and unlucky. clerks, agents and poets, from head of the families This is the day of festivity in the open areas. to children (Rohol Amini, 1999, p- 64) the tradi The families prepare lunch in groups and also tion of offering gifts to new birds and grooms take nuts and cookies of Haft- sin. Napery-and is also importan. Abu- Raihane - Biruni quoted throw them in mining water. Going to parks, from Azar Bad, the high Mobbed of Baghdad, joking, playing, running, swinging and having that: sugar cane was found in Nowruz and no fun are the basic features of sizdah- Bedar. It one knew it before that One Jamshid saw a sub is also customary the people tie the leave of stance exude from it, he tasted it and perceived sabzeh before discarding it. So expressing a it is sweet, so he ordered to take this cone and wish to be achieved before the next year' s siz made sugar from it. The people of feared it to dah bedar. At the end of the celebration on this each other as they believed it brings good luck day, the Sabzeh which is grown for haft- sin, and repeated this custom in Mehregan. As far (and- symbolically collected all sickness and had as it become customary among them. luck) is thrown into mining water to exorcise He also quoted from sassanid ernpire the demons (dives) from the households.Infact, that: the first day of work and activity begins from 1 Sassanid kings received all the gifts in five 14 h day of Farvardin Schools, high schools and 1 universities are opened in this day. Going trip days of Nowruz. In the 6 h day they gathered all, gifts, the valuables were kept for treasury before 13th day of farvardin the first month of and the remaining were offered to deserved Iranian solar calendar) is miserable in public and right persons. Now days, the gifts are mostly in cash and new bank note. The banks provide new bank notes and preset for customers. (some refer ence, p- 67)

10- Sizdeh bedar: The thirteen day of the New Year festival is sizdah - bedar (literally meaning the 13th to out figuratively meaning hit the outdoor on the thirteen. This tradition is the last part of New View of lıaft- si11 tnble setting

81 NOWRUZ AND GEOGRAPHY OF ITS CULTURAL DOMAIN

only in Balkh. So, Nowruz and Gole- sorkh (Red flower) celebration use in same meaning. In the new year first morning, the flay of Mobarak ali is elevated with special and glori ous ceremonies. This means the formal Nowruz celebrations begin. lt is continued for about 40 days and night During these times, the patients and needful persons stay along this flay for 40 days and night. It is said that a lot of irremediable patients The Iranian tribes beside Haft-sin are cured under this flag. belief. In some villages, sharing agricultural People believe that if the flay is raised calmly water and other formers activities start from 141h and with out tremor and stop, the coming year day of Farvardin (Rohol A.m.ini, 2004, p-70-75) will be good and happy. It is more than thou (Fig, No. 6) and of years that one of the most magnificent, beauti.ful and popular group cerernonies has been Nowruz domain countries: holding along Mazar sharifTomb (Mazar sharif Each year the Nowruz become closer, the is not only the name of a city in Afghanistan, people nourished in this ancient cultural domain, but also is the location of a magnificent tomb have a favorable anxiety and try o welcome this with best samples of Iranian architectural and exhilarating and impression ceremony. (Rah decorating art related to Tailor period ). The mani, 2001, p-64) Nowruz is the most ancient later construction was built in place of another and vast common tradition of Nowruz cultural ancient tomb by soltan- hossein - e - Baiyhera domain andasa result, it is considered as the and his minister, Amir-Ali- shir - Navaie. In most wide and evident aspects of coımnon that period, this tomb attributed to hnam Ali cultural heritage of people in these domains. (peace be upon him). The Shiite first leader, (Mir shokranie, 2000, p-333) based on Soltan's dream. (Fig, No. 7) In spite of Nowruz informality in some In nowruz celebration in Balkh and Mazar of Iran neighboring countries many countries Sharif a lot of daneing and singing groups attend celebrate it. Nowruz is heldin the most coun and sport matches are held such as wrestling , tries of middle Asia , Middle East, Ghufghaz Buz keshi, horse- viding , throwing the javelin, , sub - continent India, Balkan, such as Iran , ball game, chob Bazi ( wood game) game of Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Turkey, polo fencing, stone game , match for choosing Azerbaijan, Kirgizstan , Kazakhstan, U zbekistan, bestanimals and so on..... Cooking cookies Pakistan, Kurdistan of Iraq. and sweat meat and deaning and decorating houses are also another customsin Balkh. (Ghias N owruz in Afghanistan: Ahadi, 2003, p-114-120). This tradition is also In the first days of the New Year, the plains, held in Harat with a lot of joy and happiness. roofs and walls of Balkh cover with tulips. It A few weeks to Nowruz, men and especially seems Balkh is a basket of tulips or a big store women in harat prepare them selves for New which tulips bum in it. This kind of flower find Year. It usually involves washing carpets and cloths, painting houses, buying new cloths and

82 REZA HEiDARi · REVHANE AFiFi nuts and also cooking various kinds of bread proved by the united Nation as an international and cookies. celebration and the other is Nowruz which is The people gather in mosques and pray and held as a symbol of recreation of ancient cus read holy book, Quran, in order to take those toms and tradition of people in Turkmenistan. selves closer to God. The other ceremonies such Turkmen young esters create cheer and happi as visiting one another , holding celebration of ness by performing different matches such as first Wednesday of the year, sizdalı-Bedar and horse - riding, wrestling, jumping for catching so on...... are also performed I the other cities hand kerchief, game-cock, ewe's hom game, and of Afghanistan (Mokari, 2000, p-219-226) thimblerig and swinging visiting one another in Nowruz has an important value for the people Tajikistan: in Turkmenistan. Nowruz celebration is a national festival Nowruz in Turkey: of ancestors for the Tajik nation especially for Bedakhshanian, It is noted as friend ship code In Osmania period, N owruz celebration and rebirth of all creatures. It is well - known was held as limited one. In this day, hakim as khadir Ayam which literally means big Bashi (means doctor) provided on especial celebration spring cleaning, washing dishes electuary which called N owrozien for kings and courtiers. It was the mixture of 40 special and furniture' s are the old ciıstoms of tajiks in Nowruz. (Solghani, 2000, p-245) special essence and was healing (health giv ing) of pains and disease and increasing body In Tajikistan, people certainly wear new cloths strength. The people consider Nowruz as the and cook special food of Nowruz, whicl1 are the beginning of spring and rebirth of nature and essential factors of celebration. It is customary some perceive it as a holy day as well as Ghadr to cook different kinds of foods such as special orBarat (Acquittance night) nights and areason oven bread, shirmal bread , Rachle kamuche for solidarity and alliance among people . It is bread, samarghancli bread, different kind of even said that Nowruz is the birth day of Imam samboseh and cookies, kardech sweet meat Ali (peace be upon him). Shiite first leader, the , sesame sweetmeat and the most important day he appointed as caliph and the anniversary one namely samanu (Samana , sweet pudding of his rnarriage with Fatemeh (peace be upon made from wheat germ). Several matches such her) (the daughter of Prophet Mohammad). It as swinging, egg games, game - cock, game must be noted that Nowruz celebration was partridge Boz-keshi (Carrying gout) and local holding among Turks until the early year of wresting are also held in these days. One of the well - known food of N owruz is Baj, which is cook from sheep brain with wheat. They give party for eating it Relatives visitation and going to the cemeteries ar,e another customs of tajiks, (Ebrahim Ava, 2003, p-97-99) (fig-No.8)

Nowruz in Turkmenistan: Based on ancient and modem traditions, New Year is held two times in Turkmenistan.

11 One is according to Christian era which is ap- Sizdalı- bedar in 13 ' day of Nowruz

83 NOWRUZ AND GEOGRAPHY OF ITS CULTURAL DOMAIN

an especial celebration. It is custornary to sing songs before nowruz to provide required iterns for haft - sin setting and Nowruz enigrnas , Nowruz praise and curse (damnation) Nowruz advice , proverbs , beliefs, habits Plays , cus torns and ceremonies .As Iranians. Haft - sin Azerbaijan indudes seven iterns that begin with sin. In contrary, the narnes are chosen based on Azari words. Of course, it doesn't create much difference, as the names of these items are same in Azari and farsi language. More The cerenıony of elevating Nowruz jlay in Ajghanistan over, the settings provide in different styles in Republic of Turkey that gradually it lose its different parts of Iran. Azerbaijan Haft sin set former irnportance and it was honored only in ting usually includes these following iterns: north part of turkey( Solgani, 2000, p-240-249) • Surnaq (surnac fruit) : symbolizing the (Fig .No. 9) sun

Nowruz in Azerbaijan: • Sekeh (coin) : symbolizing luek and chance Nowruz celebration asa formal and national • Samanu ( Sweet pudding made from festival of Republic. wheat gerrn): syınbolizing blessing and Azerbaijan has a special value among people. fertility Holding Nowruz celebration which is accompa • Sabzeh (wheat or any other planted grain) nied by cultural and ancient beliefs and Islamic :symbolizing parity and good luck. values of people in Azerbaijan, was banned by • Sari kok (turmeric) : symbolizing the former Soviet Union but the people try to make sweetness of life it alive intheir families (Madadli, 2000, p-209). In this country, Nowruz special celebration begins • Sut (milk) : symbolizing health and from a month to New Year. Four wednes day beauty of Esfand The last month of winter in Iranian • Su (water): symbolizing rebirth and calendar) are called: life. Su charshanbasi (water Wednesday), ud lt may be also used sekeh (coin) and sarirn charshanbasi (five Wednesday), topraq char sagh (gorlic) instead of sari kok (turmeric) and shanbasi (soil Wednesday) and akhir charshan sut (milk). More over, a mirror that coloures all basic or yel charshanbasi (the last wedneeday or wind Wednesday). Of course, the celebrations of these days are hold in tues day nights. In the last Wednesday of the year, several celebration such as Jurnping over the fire, fal-Gush (infer ring one's future from the conversations of those passing by) and so on ... are done. Due to strong beliefs of the people to Nowruz custorns and traditions, they provide and supply

84 REZA HEiDARi- REVHANE AFiFi

Welcoming Nowruz in Tajikistan arotınd1 is put on haft- sin table.Oeaning housesl in Azarbaijan. It symbolizes the rebirth of hu yards and carpets and huying new cloths are man hopes and his 1her dependence to nature. also customary among people. In Charshanbeh The families that rarely cook pilaw provide it

- suri nights1 girls make a wish in their hearts. for Nowruz. As Iran 1 some cities and villages Waiting behind the doors and listen to the pas provide haft - sin table .The Nownız celebra sengers conversations if it is good and favorable 1 tion begin from Tuesday evening by Charshan saying, they achieve their gouts1 other wisel they beh- suri festival people set fire in alley s and donlt (Salgani1 20001 p-242-243). In Nowruz 1 yards 1jump aver the fire and say all my pains people cook different kinds of cookies 1 deco- and diseases throw in fire. This celebration is rate egg 1 put offermgs and gift an trays1 set continued until the March 21. In contrast with fire 1 cook samanu ,give charities for deceased Iranians1 Sizdah- bedar celebration isn' t held in ones 1 persons who break of relations 1 make Azerbaijan and 21 of March is holiday. (Madali, it up 1 relatives and neighbors visit each other 2000, p-211 -212) (Fig, No.lO) 1 girls and boys put on new cloths 1 dance and sing 1 the young esters ride horses wresting 1 Nowruz in Kirgizstan: and play Hakhishtal Benoshe an kose - kose ( these are various kinds of games ) (Ahmadian Nowruz is held only a single day in the first

12003 1 p -78-79). Cooking samanu (sweet pud- or second day of farvardin. If the last month ding made from wheat genn) is also customary of the year. Esfand1 is 29 days, the first day of

85 NOWRUZ AND GEOGRAPHY OF ITS CULTURAL DOMAIN

The last Wednesday (charshanbeh - suri) of the year in Turkey farvardin is considered as Nowruz and if it is At Nowruz night until Ghazir night , the 30 days the second day is held. house owner light two candles in upper charnber Before the Soviet Union falling, this eel ,dean their house and as they believe that the ebratian was forgotten, but after that period it cleanness of the house in new year beginning is rebirth and each year is held better that the prevent family member's miserably and pain. previous one. More They believe this fact and consider it every over it is held matches such as horse- riding year. which consider important and has remarkable Nowruz in Pakistan: rewards for winners. In Pakistan, Nowruz is called, Alam Afrooz N owruz in Kazakhstan: which literally ıneans the new day that light and The people in Kazakhstan consider Nowruz bright the world by its coming. The calendar of as equinox and believe that in this day stars ar Nowruz has an special importance for people, rive to their primary point, every where become different religious and social groups explain and new and happiness spread in the earth .They are interpret Nowruz importance intheir first pages also believe that it is the beginning of the year of calendar and calls it (Pakistan jentry). and there are beautiful stateınents about . It is a day that they are waiting it for f year, day those N owruz is Iraq: blessings ascend to earth and finally it is a day Nowruz celebration in Iraq especially in that a sure stone of saınarghan is melt. northern and Kurdish areas is held. Is Nowruz

86 REZA HEiDARi- REVHANE AFiFi

general assembly of UN Iranian - originated Nowruz is dated to 3 thousand years ago and mar than 300 million people celebrate it all over the world.(Fig,No.12)

Resources and Index:

1. Mis shokraie 1 Mohamınad, the congress secretary reporting the second regional congress of N owruz the collection of ar Nowruz danking in Kurdistan in Iraq ticles in the second regional congress of it is customary to sing local songs and mythical Nowruz . Anthropology research centre and local dance namely ( Ha lape Ral

1 Nowruz is recognized as worldly intangible heritage by UNESCO and based on Azerbaijan Republic suggestion the general assembly of united Nations in 4 th of Esfand (Esfand is the last month in Iranian calen dar )in 2009 ( equal to 1388) recognized Nowruz as the worldly celebra tion that has Iranian roots (origin) and record it in the calendar . In an approved context, the Seliing Nowrıız sabzelı in Azeı·baijan

87 NOWRUZ AND GEOGRAPHY OF ITS CULTURAL DOMAIN

Anthropology research centre publication of Nowruz, Anthropology research center first edition, 2000 publication . First edition 2003 7. Farah Vashi, Bahram, Anthropology part ll. Mokari, Mohammad, Nowruz in harat of anci.ent Iran culture published by Tehran (Afghanistan), the collection of the first university, first edition, 1976 congress of Nowruz ,Nashr publication. 8. Rahmani, Roshan, Nowruz the Heritage Anthropology research centre first edi of Ancestor's experience the collection of tion,2000 articles in the second regmal congress of 12. Madali, Ein Allah, Nawruz Celebration N owruz. Anthropology research center in Azerbaijan the colleeti on of Articles in publication first edition , 2003 the first congress of Nowruz. Anthro 9. Mir shokranie, Mohammad, Nowruz, pology research centre publication first the symbol of national unitary and reginal edition, 2000 solidarity , the Collection of Articles in 13. Solghani, Ghorban Ali, Nowruz in Iran the first congress of Nowruz Anthropol and other Countries . The collection of ogy research center publications . First Articlesin the first congress of Nowruz edition 2000 Anthropology research centre publication. 10.Moradi Ghias Abadi, Reza, Nowruz First edition, 2000 celebration or Gule sorkh Festival in 14. Amir Ahmadian, Bahram, Nowruz in Balkh and Mazar Sharif, the collection of Republic of Azerbaijan the collection of Articles in the second Reginal Congress Articles in the second congress of Now ruz, Anthropology research publication, 2003 15. Ebrahm Ava, Tonfeh, the women role in Nowruz in Tajikistan, the collection of Articles in the second congress of Nowruz Anthropology research centre publication, 2003 16. Saleh saied. Mohammad, Nowruz fes tival in kurdistan in Iraq .the collection of Articles in the second congress of N owruz Anthropology research centre publication, 2003 17. Mir shokaie, Mohammad, Nowruz, th symbol of national unity and regional solidarity . The collection of articles in the first congress of Nowruz Anthropology research centre publication. 2000