Ambassador Jeffrey’s “Trial by Fire.”

Ambassador Jeffrey jumps over the Nevruz fire. Photo courtesy of Mustafa Istemi.

U.S. Ambassador to Turkey James Jeffrey joined Turkey’s Cultural and Tourism Minister Ertugrul Gunay for Nevruz celebrations and jumped over a Nevruz fire at the Ataturk Cultural Center in Ankara on Saturday.  Jumping over bonfires during this new year’s holiday is an ancient purification ritual that is believed to rid participants of illnesses and back luck; it also demonstrates their bravery and agility.  Kurds in Turkey consider Nevruz to be the most important holiday of the year and they celebrate it with music, dancing, and the tradition of jumping over fire.