Mem Ararat is a voice that resonates deeply with Kurdish people the world over. Since his acclaimed debut album Quling Ewr û Baran (Crane, Cloud, and Rain) a decade ago, the singer from Mardin, southeast Turkiye, has captivated the hearts and souls of local and international audiences with his beautiful voice and blend of traditional Kurdish […]
For Kurds worldwide, no introduction is needed to the legendary Şivan Perwer. The 67-year-old singer-songwriter and musician from Viranşehir, Şanlıurfa, in southeast Turkiye, has been the cultural voice of his people for decades. In a career spanning over 40 years, Perwer has recorded over 20 albums, which includes many songs set to the words of […]
One of the best known contemporary Kurdish singers, Aynur Doğan takes to the stage at London’s Barbican this weekend as part of the EFG London Jazz Festival. Originally from Turkey, Aynur’s impressive voice and extraordinary musical narration represent the music heritage of her cultural roots to the world. The Amsterdam-based singer has collaborated with a […]
Developments are under way between filmmakers in Turkey and Pakistan to create a joint television drama on the incredible life of medieval ruler Selahaddin Eyyubi. Eyyubi, also known as Salahaddin Ayyubid, Salahuddin al Ayyubi or Saladin for short, was born in Tikrit, Iraq, in 1138. A twelfth century warrior-turned-Sultan, Saladin founded the Ayyubid dynasty and […]
A man who shot dead a woman working at the Izmir office of the opposition Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) has been arrested by police. Deniz Poyraz was killed when the suspect, Onur Gencer, entered the building and opened fire just after 11am on Thursday, 17 June. The 38-year-old woman was filling in for her mum […]
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has been involved in a minor car crash this afternoon after a protestor ran in front of a vehicle he was in, just as his convoy was pulling out of the gates of Parliament. The Prime Minister was heading back to Downing Street after taking questions in Parliament. A middle […]
Every 21stMarch, people living in Anatolia, Central and South East Asia celebrate the arrival of Spring, called “Nevruz” by the Turks and “Newroz” by the Kurds. The word Nevruz is derived from the Farsi word for “new day”. It transcends faiths and ethnicities, as people from Iran to India greet the Spring Equinox. “Nevruz” is […]
There have been many harrowing scenes from the Syrian conflict, but perhaps one of the most affecting concerns the Syrian city of Kobane. Lying a kilometre away from the Turkish village of Maheser, both are home to predominantly Kurdish residents who have been separated by a century old border that emerged after the collapse of […]
Next Friday, London based Nefes will be taking guests on a musical journey across Anatolia and the Balkans, playing a selection of contemporary and centuries-old folk songs from the region. The music is inspired by both Sufi and secular cultures of love. ‘Nefes’ in Turkish means breath. It is the essence of the self […]
On this day, March 21st, each year Turks, Kurds, Iranians, and many other people across central Asia celebrate their traditional New Year. This centuries-old festival centres around the northern hemisphere’s Spring Equinox, marking the start of a new calendar year when spring breathes new life into nature, and the region enjoys far more sunlight. […]
