Newroz, the Kurdish and Persian new year celebrated on 21 March, is marked in Şırnak—as across the Kurdish-majority southeast of Turkey—with large public bonfires, dancing, and communal gatherings. The principal celebration in Şırnak city takes place at Newroz Alanı in the city centre, where fires are lit at sunset and festivities continue through the evening. For photographers, the event offers one of the most technically demanding and visually exceptional opportunities in the regional calendar: bonfire light at close range against a darkening twilight sky, crowds in traditional colourful dress where red, green, and yellow are dominant, and the kinetic energy of the halay circle dance. The fire produces a high-contrast scene in which the flame core is vastly brighter than the surrounding faces and crowd. A fast prime lens in the f/1.8 to f/2.8 range allows exposure to be set for the faces lit by firelight rather than for the flame itself, which will overexpose at those settings and at these apertures becomes a vivid luminous disc in the background when the lens is pulled back. A 24mm wide-angle captures the full social context of fire, dancers, and crowd periphery in a single frame. The event runs annually on 21 March; in years when the date falls on a weekday, a proportion of the population attends pre-celebrations on the preceding weekend. No photography fees apply at the public Newroz grounds. Visitors should be aware that Newroz attracts large crowds and a significant police and gendarmerie presence; photography of security personnel should be avoided. The cultural significance of the event in the Kurdish calendar means respectful, observational photography is welcomed by participants. A monopod offers more practical crowd manoeuvring than a full tripod while still providing camera stabilisation at slower shutter speeds.
Shooting notes
- Equipment
- Fast lens (f/1.8–f/2.8), High ISO capability for fire light, Wide-angle 24mm for crowd and fire context
Location
Newroz Alanı, Şırnak Merkez
37.5220, 42.4580 View on map
Highlights
- Bonfire flames against darkening twilight sky create high-contrast drama unique in the regional festival calendar
- Traditional red, green, and yellow festive dress of participants provides vivid colour in firelight
- Halay circle dance captured with a wide-angle lens communicates communal energy and cultural depth
- The brief twilight blue-hour window before full dark allows a balanced exposure of fire against the sky
- Annual occurrence on 21 March makes this a highly targeted, once-a-year photography destination
Tips for visiting
- Arrive 30 minutes before local sunset to position at the edge of the main gathering before the crowd fills in
- Set exposure for faces lit by firelight, not the flame itself—at f/1.8 and ISO 1600, start at 1/125 second
- A fast 24mm prime captures both the bonfire and a ring of dancers in a single environmental frame
- Avoid pointing lenses at security personnel, police vehicles, or checkpoint infrastructure
- A monopod is more practical than a tripod in a dense moving crowd and allows quick repositioning
- Review images frequently on the camera screen; the rapid light changes of an active fire require constant exposure adjustment
When to visit
21 March annually; arrive at sunset (approximately 18:00–18:30 in Şırnak in March) to capture the fire lighting ceremony and the halay dancing that continues into the evening.
Frequently asked questions
Is photography at Newroz celebrations in Şırnak permitted?
Photography at the public Newroz Alanı is permitted and widely welcomed by participants. Visitors should avoid photographing security personnel or infrastructure and remain aware of the crowd dynamic.
What camera settings work best for fire photography at Newroz?
A starting point is ISO 1600, f/2.0, 1/125 second; adjust to expose for faces lit by firelight rather than the flame itself, which will overexpose at this setting and become a luminous background element.
How large does the crowd typically get?
The Şırnak Newroz gathering can draw thousands of participants. Arriving early is essential for front-row positioning near the bonfire and for accessing the best elevated angles.
Is it safe to attend Newroz in Şırnak?
The festival is a public celebration attended by families and community members. Visitors should consult current regional travel advisories and follow any guidance from crowd management personnel on the day.
Does the event happen only on March 21?
The main event is 21 March annually. When this falls on a weekday, many communities hold additional pre-celebrations on the preceding weekend, which can be less crowded and easier to photograph.