Kurdish classical music
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Kurdish classical music (Kurdish: میوزیکی کلاسیکی کوردی, romanized: Mîwzîkî klasîkî Kurdî, Kurdish pronunciation: [mjuːzɪkɪ klaːsɪkɪ koːrdɪ]; or مۆسیقای کلاسیکی کوردی, Mosîqay kilasîkî Kurdî) is the traditional art music of the Kurdish people, developed across various regions of the Middle East. It is rooted in oral traditions and typically features melodic modes, poetic lyrics, and traditional instruments.[1]
History
[edit]The Kurdish classical music formed itself within the general cultural and musical traditions of the Middle East, which creates a continuity of musical practices that have historically and regionally influenced the area. Some scholars describe it as a synthesis of broader cultural elements known as "great traditions," with local practices among communities, or which they call "little traditions," through the conceptual lens offered by anthropologist Robert Redfield.
Kurdish music has roots in the pre-Islamic era, marked by the emergence of modal melodic structures. It later developed further under various Islamic empires, incorporating diverse external influences.[2]
Instrumentation
[edit]Kurdish classical music features a range of traditional instruments that shape its distinctive sound. Common instruments include the Daf, a frame drum used for complex rhythmic patterns;[3][4] Dumbek (tambourine), a goblet-shaped hand drum; Bağlama, a long-necked lute; and Nay, an end-blown flute; Oud, a fretless lute with a deep tone, is also used for melodic accompaniment in Kurdish classical music.[5] These instruments often accompany vocal performances, which play a central role in the classical tradition.
Major genres
[edit]Kurdish classical music includes a variety of genres that reflect the cultural and historical diversity of Kurdish communities. Major categories include folk music, religious music, and instrumental compositions, each serving distinct social and artistic functions.
Folk music
[edit]Folk music constitutes a core element of Kurdish musical expression, with common themes such as love, displacement, and social struggle. Traditional forms are preserved primarily by older generations, especially through the practice of dengbêjî, a form of unaccompanied vocal storytelling performed by dengbêjs (bards).[6][7] These performances typically recount oral histories, legends, and historical events. In recent years, younger performers have introduced modern musical influences, resulting in contemporary variations of traditional folk music.[8][9]
Religious music
[edit]Religious music holds a central place in the spiritual practices of certain Kurdish communities, including the Ahl-e Haqq (Yarsanism).[a] It is closely tied to ritual and devotional contexts and often features the tanbur, a long-necked string instrument. The repertoire includes poetic compositions known as nazms, which convey religious teachings and themes. Modern interpretations may emphasize instrumental improvisation and new compositional styles.[10]
Religion largely contributes to the Kurdish culture and social identity. Islam is the major religion amongst Kurds, while another interaction between religious and cultural traditions is sometimes present. In many villages, religious stories have served to keep alive the Kurdish language and oral traditions.[11]
Instrumental music
[edit]Instrumental music is another important aspect of Kurdish classical traditions. It typically involves traditional instruments such as the qanun, a type of zither, and the tanbur. These compositions may be performed independently or as accompaniment to vocal works, and they highlight both rhythmic complexity and melodic structure.[12][13]
Notable artists
[edit]| Name | Image | Years active |
|---|---|---|
| Ali Merdan[14] |  |
1920s–1981 |
| Mihemed Şêxo | .jpg) |
1960s–1987 |
| Hassan Zirak[14] |  |
1940s–1972 |
| Ayşe Şan[15] |  |
1956–1996 |
| Mazhar Khaleqi[16] |  |
1950s–1987 |
| Mohammad Mamle | 1950s–1990s | |
| Shahram Nazeri[17] |  |
1958–present |
| Nasser Razazi[18] |  |
1976–present |
| Merziye Feriqi[19] |  |
1994–2005 |
| Qadir Dilan[20] |  |
1950–1999 |
| Aram Tigran[21] |  |
1953–2009 |
| Ciwan Haco[22] |  |
1970–present |
| Adnan Karim[23] |  |
1979–present |
| Karapetê Xaço[24] | 1930s–1990s | |
| Mihemmed Arif Cizîrî | 1940s–1980s | |
| Şakiro[25] | 1960s–1990s |
See also
[edit]
Notes
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ Cabell, Kenneth R.; Valsiner, Jaan (2013-11-11). The Catalyzing Mind: Beyond Models of Causality. Springer Science & Business Media. p. 198. ISBN 978-1-4614-8821-7.
- ^ "Jon Bullock: Let's Talk About Tradition | Music Department". music.uchicago.edu. Retrieved 2025-06-01.
- ^ "An Introduction to Kurdish Folk Music". FolkWorks. Retrieved 2025-06-01.
- ^ "Learn to Play Daf Instrument: Tips from Navasaz Academy". Retrieved 2025-06-01.
- ^ "Kurdish music and instruments". Kurdishglobe. 2024-08-26. Retrieved 2025-06-02.
- ^ "Kurdish music tradition revived with dengbej culture". Daily Sabah. 2015-03-06. Retrieved 2025-06-01.
- ^ "Turkey: Preserving Kurdish Culture Through the Power of Music | Eurasianet". eurasianet.org. Retrieved 2025-06-02.
- ^ Mahmoud, Kehy. "Classical music in epic harmony with Kurdish culture". Rudaw Media Network. Retrieved 2025-06-02.
- ^ Ayaz, Necat (2014-05-30). "Kermanshah is a center for Kurdish Music". Infowelat. Retrieved 2025-06-02.
- ^ Hooshmandrad, Partow (2022-09-26). "Religious Musical Knowledge and Modes of Transmission among the Kurdish Ahl-e Haqq of Gurān". Oral Tradition. Retrieved 2025-06-01.
- ^ Christensen, Dieter (2010). Music and migration: Kurds in Berlin (PDF).
- ^ "Kurdish Music, and It's Place in Nashville". ArcGIS StoryMaps. 2023-12-16. Retrieved 2025-06-02.
- ^ "The Music of Kurdistan - Elbphilharmonie Mediatheque". www.elbphilharmonie.de. 2023-11-17. Retrieved 2025-06-02.
- ^ a b Broughton, Ellingham, Trillo 1999, p. 381.
- ^ "Remembering Eyşe Şan: the voice of Kurdish resistance and women's struggle". Medya News. 2024-12-18. Retrieved 2025-06-02.
- ^ Caldani, Paul (April 2010). "Mazhar Khalaghi Kurdish Singer". Golestan Iran The Land of Arts. Archived from the original on 9 October 2010. Retrieved 25 December 2010.
- ^ Broughton, Ellingham, Trillo 1999, p. 361.
- ^ Broughton, Ellingham, Trillo 1999, p. 756.
- ^ "Kurdish singer Marziyeh Feriqi died in Sweden". theinsightinternational.com. Retrieved 2025-06-02.
- ^ Hardī, Aḥmad (1991). Rāz-i tanyāyī: shyʻr (in Kurdish). Muḥamad-i Saqiz.
- ^ Marchand, Laure; Perrier, Guillaume (2015-04-01). Turkey and the Armenian Ghost: On the Trail of the Genocide. McGill-Queen's Press - MQUP. p. 180. ISBN 9780773597204.
- ^ Altaş, Gülbahar (19 March 2020). "Kürt sanatçı Ciwan Haco'dan bir ilk; "Beyaz Geceler" isimli parçayı blues jazz tarzında seslendirdi". Independent Türkçe (in Turkish). Retrieved 29 December 2022.
- ^ "Kurdish artist Adnan Karim to attend 7th annual Duhok film festival". Kurdistan24. Retrieved 2 June 2025.
- ^ Bellaigue, Christopher De (2010). Rebel Land: Among Turkey's Forgotten Peoples. Bloomsbury. p. 171. ISBN 978-0-7475-9676-9.
- ^ "Dengbêj Şakiro'yu anma gecesi". Bianet. 24 June 2022.
Sources
[edit]- Broughton, Ellingham, Trillo, Simon, Mark, Richard (1999). World music: the rough guide. Africa, Europe and the Middle East, Volum 1. Rough Guides. ISBN 9781858286358.
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
External links
[edit]- The role of traditional music in preserving national identity — A Jadetims report by Khoshnaw Rahmani
- The Kurdishness of Turkish folk music