Sivan Perwer: Musical symbol of Kurdistan and Kurdish resistance

Sivan Perwer[Şivan Perwer in Kurdish] is a prominent Kurdish musician, singer, and songwriter. He is widely regarded as the musical symbol of Kurdistan and the Kurdish resistance movement. Born on December 23, 1955, in Turkey, Perwer has been a key figure in the Kurdish music scene for several decades.

For 25 years, Perwer’s songs were banned in Iraq, Syria, and Turkey due to their Kurdish language and their references to the oppression of the Kurdish people in the Middle East, particularly in Turkey. Despite the ban, cassettes of his music were circulated secretly, often at great risk of imprisonment or even death for those involved. Şivan gained popularity during the Kurdish protests against Iraqi rule at Ankara University in 1972. His homemade recordings were smuggled across borders, and he attracted thousands of people to his live performances

Şivan Perwer recorded his first official album consisting of traditional Kurdish songs. In 1991, he had the opportunity to perform at the “Simple Truth” Live Aid concert. This concert featured renowned international artists such as Madonna, Rod Stewart, and Chris de Burgh..

The message of Sivan Perwer[Şivan Perwer] Music

His music often carries strong political and cultural messages. The main message of Şivan Perwer’s music is strong Kurdish nationalism, filled with a sense of pride and inspiring young Kurds to fight for their homeland. He has composed and sung many songs using the poetry of the late Kurdish poet, Cigerxwîn, who was known for his poetry about the Kurdish struggle, culture, and history. At one point, Cigerxwîn referred to Şivan as “the Voice of his poetry.” Kurdish songs, known as dengbêj, are seen by some as a vital factor in preserving Kurdish culture and history.

The concert aimed to raise funds for the refugees in Iraqi Kurdistan who were fleeing the Gulf War. It was considered a significant humanitarian effort for the region.the rights and struggles of the Kurdish people. Perwer has composed and performed songs in Kurdish as well as other languages, including Turkish and Persian. On Tuesday, March 21, 2006, Şivan Perwer was featured on PRI’s The World in their Global Hits segment.

Throughout his career, Sivan Perwer [Şivan Perwer] has faced various challenges and restrictions due to his political activism and the sensitive nature of his songs. He has been banned from performing in Turkey for many years, leading him to live in exile in Europe. Despite these obstacles, his music continues to inspire and resonate with Kurdish communities around the world.

Albums and songs

Perwer has released numerous albums, including popular songs such as “Govend,” “Xedarê,” and “Keça Kurdan.” His powerful voice, poetic lyrics, and commitment to the Kurdish cause have made him a beloved figure in Kurdish culture and an icon of resistance.