CULTURE

Latest News

• Şahin Doğan: “These prohibitions do not intimidate us; they strengthen us” 

  Plays, concerts, or Kurdish artists continued to produce in 2021 despite all bans and repression. Şahin Doğan from the Mesopotamia Cultural Centre (MKM) says that the bans do not prevent them from producing.
• Öcalan's books promoted in mobile library in Shengal 

  The activists plan to encourage everyone to read Öcalan's ideas and philosophy.
• Ronak docufilm withdraws from Sulaymaniyah International Film Festival 

  After the film 'Ji Bo Azadiyê' (For Freedom) was banned at the 5th International Film Festival in Sulaymaniyah, the docufilm 'Ronak' announced their withdrawal in response.
• No 'normalization' for the Kurdish language 

  In the summer months after the Covid-19 epidemic, there was a normalization of culture and art activities. However, Kurdish activities were banned. So much so that the bans extended to Kurdish songs sung in prison.
• “Ji Bo Azadiye” banned at the 5th International Film Festival in Sulaymaniyah 

  The Rojava Film Commune stated that the screening of their film “Ji Bo Azadiye” at the 5th International Film Festival in Sulaymaniyah was banned and withdrew their second film “Blackberry Season” as well, since the festival is not a “free art platform”.
• International Film Festival kicks off in Slemani 

  This year the 5th Slemani International Film Festival is being held on December the 17st- 23th, 2021, in Slemani City, Kurdistan, Iraq. 143 films from 35 countries will be shown over seven days.
• 'Writing to you since the Revolution' meets readers in Switzerland 

  The book 'Writing to you since the Revolution', in which twelve French women describe the Rojava Revolution, is meeting the Swiss people.
• The second book of Öcalan’s Manifesto published in Italian 

  “Capitalism: The Age of Unmasked Gods and Naked Kings”, the second book in Abdullah Öcalan's five-volume work called Manifesto of the Democratic Civilization, has now been published in Italian by the International Initiative Edition and Punto Rosso.
• Kurdish writer Nezîr Ocek: We need to fight more against assimilation 

  Kurdish writer Nezîr Ocek said that more contributions should be made to the development of the Kurdish language and literature against assimilation.
• 'Beating the Drum', a film about the resistance of Şêxmeqsûd and Serêkaniyê  

  Qamişlo Culture and Art Center and Tabqa Cultural Center screened the film about Şêxmeqsûd and Serêkaniyê resistance.
• Eyşe Şan documentary play opens in Cologne today 

  Eyşe Şan is a cry against multiple oppression - both cultural and as a woman under patriarchal structures. The Kulturbunker Cologne will present the world premiere of a documentary play about the singer's life on Friday.
• Rojava Film Commune releases first 'making off' video of Kobanê film  

  The Rojava Film Commune has released the first 'making off' video of Kobanê film.
• The struggle for existence of Kurdish literature, an interview with writer Mehmet Çakmak 

  Over two hundred Kurdish books are published annually in Turkey. That is not a small amount under the given circumstances, says the writer Mehmet Çakmak. As long as society is fighting for its existence, there will also be literature.
• MA Orchestra releases new version of the song Fadikê 

  The MA Orchestra sang a new version of the song Fadikê.
• Screening of documentary "Dementia" in Istanbul 

  The documentary "Dementia", about the forced migration after Hasankeyf was flooded, was screened.
• Mardin Governorate bans play in Kurdish 

  The Mardin Governorate banned the Kurdish play Tartuffe, which was to be staged by the Amed City Theatre.
• Kurdish Language Commission visits Urfa Bar Association 

  The Kurdish Language Commission visited the Urfa Bar Association and stated that, "We want to do politics in Kurdish in Kurdistan."
• "Kurdistan and the Kurdish language are fundamental rights" 

  Mehmet Arak, member of the Kurdish language commission of the Amed Bar Association, underlines that the use of the term Kurdistan and the Kurdish language are expressions of a reality and part of the fundamental right to freedom of expression.
• Kurdish historian Colemêrgî says ancient Van Castle is being destroyed 

  Kurdish historian and writer, İhsan Colemêrgî, said that the historical texture of the Van Castle was destroyed under the name of restoration, and added that this is how Kurdish history is tried to be destroyed.
• New song and clip for the anniversary of the founding of PKK 

  Koroya Dengê Mesopotamia (The Voice of Mesopotamia Choir) has released a new song on the occasion of the 43rd anniversary of the PKK.
• SOHR: Turkish-backed factions continue destroying Syria’s historical heritage 

  Occupation forces are excavating archaeological sites in the area from al- Bab city to Afrin in Aleppo countryside, searching for artifacts and archeological treasures by destroying Syria’s historical heritage for material benefit.
• Turkey-backed mercenaries destroy Newroz statue in Afrin 

  The Newroz statue in the city of Afrin, occupied by the Turkish state and its mercenaries, was destroyed.
• 5th Osman Sabri Literature Festival awards four writers 

  Four authors received awards at the 5th Osman Sabri Literature Festival, organized by the Northern and Eastern Syria Literature Committee and the Jazira Region Culture Committee.
• HDP: Children's most basic rights are under threat in Turkey 

  “Reservations on the Rights of the Child should be removed, and the right to education in the mother tongue should be guaranteed,” demands the HDP.
• 'Kurdistan has always existed and will continue to exist' 

  Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) Deputy Murat Sarısaç said,“Kurdistan has always existed and will continue to exist”. The Kurdish Language Platform and MED-DER urged the public to promote their language and culture against the pressures.