Celebrations saw people leaping over open flames, blacksmiths beating metal and revelers offering traditional foods to one other.

Nearly 200 spiritual leaders from the Alevi community came from across the world to attend an official Newroz ceremony in the Turkish capital Ankara, where Prime Minister Binali Yildirim delivered a speech.

Yildirim stressed the importance of unity and world peace.

“Our priority has been always peace,” he said, adding: “We are struggling for the peace of our country, our region and all humanity without distinction.”

Underlining the importance of brotherhood between Alevis and Sunnis, Yildirim said: “We all share the same values and all the sects share the same values.”

He spoke on a platform where a symbolic Newroz fire was lit.

In a written statement, Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu described Newroz as a “forerunner of peace and brotherhood”.

Newroz should not be “an ordinary celebration” but should encourage togetherness across the world, he added.