Dengê Botan has been a voice for Kurdistan for 16 years
Mehmet, who has been hosting the Dengê Botan program on Stêrk TV for the past 16 years, after previously presenting it on Dicle, Jiyan and Gün TV, said the program has served as an archive and collective memory of Kurdistan, with 1,250 episodes to date.
Reconnecting to her native language after being displaced
Şehriban Defişet was forcibly displaced with her family as a child after her village was evacuated. Years later, she returned to Kurdistan, learned Kurdish and began working to keep it alive.
Abdullah Öcalan’s ideas became their inspiration: I think of him as Prometheus
Musician and writer Sonny Saul and painter Jim FitzPatrick, both of whom have dedicated their art to Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan, spoke about how his ideas have been reflected in their work. “Mr. Öcalan is the same age as I am. I think of him as Prometheus, chained to a rock,” said Saul. FitzPatrick, meanwhile, described Abdullah Öcalan as “the key to peace between the Kurdish and Turkish peoples.”
Artist Kêko Urmiye: Theatre is always beautiful in Kurdish
Kêko Urmiye, who continues the theatre journey he began in Urmiye, stating that theatre is for him a matter of identity and existence, said: "Theatre is always beautiful in Kurdish."
Kurdish Cinema Workshop: Difficulties faced by Kurdish cinema being discussed
The difficulties experienced in Kurdish cinema and methods of collective struggle against them will be discussed at the Kurdish Cinema Workshop.
A legacy from 'Ey Niştiman' to 1,500 works: Hesen Zîrek
The unforgettable voice of Kurdish music, Hesen Zîrek, left behind approximately 1,500 works despite a life marked by poverty, prohibition and exile, leaving an indelible mark on the collective memory of the Kurdish people. The artist, who left his stamp on an era with many works — most notably "Ey Niştiman" — is remembered as one of the most powerful artists in Kurdish music.
Kurdish-language centre Zimanxane to open in Istanbul
Zimanxane, established for the teaching and development of Kurdish in Istanbul, will hold its opening on 21 June. Association manager Hacı Erbek stated that, alongside teaching the language, they will also carry out cultural and artistic activities.
Primary school to provide Kurdish-language education to open in Berlin
The Rıza Baran Primary School, where education will be provided in both Kurdish and German, is to open in Berlin. YEKMAL President Günay Darıcı said: "Our school will play a major role for the Kurdish language."
Cegerxwîn documentary 'Kî me Ez!' to have its gala in Stockholm
The gala screening of the documentary film "Kî me Ez! (Who am I)," about the life of Cegerxwîn, one of the most important figures in the world of Kurdish literature and poetry, will take place in Stockholm on 20 June.
Intellectuals call for action on Kurdish language: A strategy ıs needed
Intellectuals and writers discussing the threats facing the Kurdish language and possible solutions stressed the need for a long-term strategy for the future.
Funda Coşkun tells her ‘On Reconciled Stones’ installation
Artist Funda Coşkun, who participated in the forum in Amed with her installation work titled “On Reconciled Stones,” said: “We are in a process where we need to shoulder responsibility for peace. The work encourages people to question, ‘What can we do?’”
Four decades in Kurdish theatre: We must avoid imitation and create from our own heritage
One of the leading figures of Kurdish theatre, Ghotbedin Sadeghî criticized Kurdish artists for being influenced by Western artistic approaches, saying, “We must avoid imitation and create based on the existing heritage and characteristics of our own art.”
Bringing the stories of unseen women to the stage
Actress Carmen Dalfogo, who brings the stories of unseen women to the stage, explained the importance of theater by saying, “Theater is a place where you can see another history, share it, and be in dialogue.”
ITI President Jessica Kaahwa: Kurdish theater gives hope
Jessica Kaahwa, President of the ITI, who came to the International Amed Theater Festival, said that Kurdish theater, which filled the hall with a capacity of 1,500, gives hope.
Director Hosseini from Rojhilat: Art knows no borders
Soran Hosseini, a director from Rojhilat participating in the 11th Amed Theatre Festival, said art cannot exist detached from society, adding: “Peace has no borders. This is a matter of artistic sensitivity and the connection established with people.”