Nouruz, Newroz, Nauroz
Together with numerous Berlin-based associations and dedicated individuals, the Humboldt Forum invites you to celebrate the beginning of spring – with international artists and cultural traditions. At a time when many families are separated or living in uncertainty, coming together creates space for solidarity. Visitors can look forward to a programme of talks, music, dance, workshops, market stalls and culinary specialities.
The Nouruz Festival – also known as Newroz, or Nauroz – has marked the beginning of spring for over 3,000 years. It is celebrated at the spring equinox on 20 or 21 March. The name means “New Day” and symbolizes renewal, the awakening of nature, and the return of light.
Musical programme
Featuring singer Cengîz Yazgî, the group Orkèstar with Parham Alizadeh, the transcultural ensemble Tschiltan, the “Milliy Meros” ensemble of the Uzbek State Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Dilfuza Qobilova, as well as the celebrated Afghan singer Wajiha together with Farid Rastagar and the grand masters Ramin Saqizada and Feraydoon Meyazada.
Dance groups
Experience powerful Kurdish dances by GovendaKÎ, dynamic dances from Afghanistan by the Hewad group, learn Uzbek dance in a workshop with choreographer Malika Khaidarova, or join in the Kormanji dance workshop from North Khorasan by Rahaavi.
Workshops & creative programme for all ages
There are many hands-on activities for young and older visitors – from kite making and egg painting to braiding, henna painting and flower crown making. One highlight is a paper puppet theatre show with Afghan puppeteer Karim Asir.
Zilan Sarah Kößler will read from her children’s book JINA and invites to a workshop. Amu Nouruz, a traditional figure, will announce the beginning of the Iranian New Year, Nouruz.
Cuisine & Market
Enjoy traditional specialities, discover handmade crafts at the bazaar stalls and treat yourself to a break at the tea bar.
For almost a year, representatives of various associations and committed individuals have been working together, developing ideas and designing the programme. This festival is a warm invitation to everyone to celebrate a new beginning.
Curatorial team: Ibrahim Hotak, Bênav Mustafa, Zukhra Rakhmatova, Nader Sani, Samad Sharif, Sara Zahed
Participants
Integrationshelfer Meehr e. V. is a non-profit association founded in Berlin in 2019 by the Dari- and Persian-speaking diaspora.
The purpose of the association is to promote the integration of refugees, especially those of Iranian and Afghan descent. The association organizes events, workshops, and counseling services that promote exchange and cooperation between different cultures.
The GAFCA – German Association for Central Asia e.V. promotes cultural exchange, cooperation, and solidarity between Germany and Central Asia. Founded in 2018 by people from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds, the association is committed to sustainable projects in Central Asia, particularly Afghanistan. Another goal is to promote information, international understanding, and genuine cultural understanding in Germany, based on tolerance and the desire to learn from one another.
Rojavida – Education and Culture for Children is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting musical and artistic education for children and young people in disadvantaged regions of the world and to education and cultural participation in Germany.
Rojavida – Bildung und Kultur für Kinder
Mittani Kunst- und Kulturzentrum is primarily committed to promoting Kurdish art and culture.
Mittani
Bênav Mustafa represents the two associations Rojavida and Mittani. He is studying philosophy and history to become a teacher and is interested in topics such as colonialism, racism, migration, Islamism, and Kurdish history and language. He is a freelance interpreter and translator and currently works in the field of education policy at Ibim e. V. He has been committed to raising awareness of the Kurdish perspective for seven years and, together with a group of friends, founded Rojavida – Education and Culture for Children e. V. in 2025. He has also been active as a curator, organizer, assistant, and supporter at several events, including the annual Kurdish Art and Culture Festival in Berlin, and at the Kurdish Exile Literature event at the Literaturhaus Berlin.
ArtistAsMuse is a collaborative painting duo consisting of Corinna Gothe and Alexandria Anderson, which has been in existence for eight years.
artistasmuse.com
Yekmal e.V. is a non-profit migrant self-help organization in Germany and a recognized provider of youth welfare services. The association runs two bilingual kindergartens (Kurdish/German) and is a shareholder in Yekmal Akademie gGmbH, which promotes education, language, and research. Yekmal e.V. is also the sponsor of the BEFaN network, which promotes multilingualism. The association is committed to the education and social participation of families, in particular through the promotion of the Kurdish language and culture as well as multilingual language development. Yekmal e.V. works for an open, inclusive society and supports people with a migration and refugee background so that they can lead a self-determined life in Germany.
San’at – Forum for Art, Culture, and Science e.V. is a non-profit association based in Berlin dedicated to promoting contemporary Uzbek art and culture as well as intercultural dialogue between Uzbekistan and Germany. As an international cultural platform, San’at initiates exhibitions, concerts, conferences, educational programs, and cultural encounters, and connects artists, scientists, and cultural institutions from both countries.
Über Uns – San’at
‘Pul’ means bridge – and that is precisely our goal. We are a newly founded cultural and social association in Berlin that connects people of Afghan origin with German society. Based on shared values and laws, we are creating a place for people to meet, exchange ideas and support one another. We are currently in the official registration phase and look forward to enriching Berlin’s cultural landscape as bridge builders.
