The Infamous Kurd! (Part 2)
- MaddiW
- Jan 28, 2019
- 3 min read
Hello Guys! Today we're again going to be talking about the infamous Kurds and their culture! We're not going to go into deep detail about the Kurdish culture but we are going to hit on some things that are just interesting to know! So without further ado, let's go!
Food
Common foods in the Kurdish culture include dolma (vegetables stuffed in grape leaves), kofta (spiced meatballs or meatloaf), flatbreads, honey and black tea. As nomads and herders, lamb and chicken have been staple meats in Kurdish cuisine for centuries. Vegetables, pilaf and dairy products also comprise a large portion of traditional Kurdish food. Frequently, lamb or chicken are simmered in a tomato and yogurt-based sauce and served over rice- or bulgur-pilaf. Kurdish meals are generally eaten while sitting on the floor, and are served on a small cloth placed in the center of the room. Traditionally, hot dishes, cold dishes and sweets are all served at the same time.
Dance
There are hundreds of cataloged Kurdish dances in the four regions of Kurdistan. Each village has its own signature dances, and each dance has regional variations and names. It is common, however, that many Kurdish dances are not named or recognized as Kurdish. Turkey, in particular, is infamous for recategorizing Kurdish dances as Turkish dances
Almost all Kurdish dances are community dances, frequently with men and women dancing together. Men’s-specific dances can be recognized by their speed and athletic feats, while women’s dances feature more delicate foot, shoulder, knee and neck movements. A characteristic feature of all Kurdish folk dancing, which sharply differentiates it from other Middle Eastern cultures, is the lack of segregation by sex: men and women dance together in the same line.
Kurdish dance is frequently accompanied by elaborate costume. Costumes are very diverse, all are regionally based and are unique to each Kurdish tribe. There are even variations within a tribe, as clothing is made by each particular dancer. Typically, costumes are brightly colored and layered with many individual garments comprising a single costume.
Poetry and Song
Kurdish culture has a rich oral tradition. Most popular are epic poems called lawj, and they often tell of adventure in love or battle. Kurdish literature first appeared in the seventh century AD. In 1596, Sharaf Khan, Emir of Bitlis, composed a history of the Kurds in Persian called the Sharafnama. Almost one hundred years later, in 1695, a great national epic called the Memozin was written in Kurdish by Ahmed Khani.
Dengbej refers to a musician who performs traditional Kurdish folk songs. The word ‘deng’ means voice and ‘bej’ means ‘to sing.’ Dengbej are best known for their “stran,” or song of mourning.
Traditional Kurdish instruments include the flute, drums, and the ut-ut (similar to a guitar). The music of Sivan Perwar, a Kurdish pop music performer, was banned in Turkey and Iraq in the 1980s, so he left the region to live and work in Sweden.
Kurdish Craft
Carpet-weaving is by far the most significant Kurdish folk art. Kurdish rugs and carpets use medallion patterns; however, far more popular are the all-over floral, Mina Khani motifs and the “jaff” geometric patterns. The beauty of Kurdish designs are enriched by high-chroma blues, greens, saffrons as well as terracotta and burnt orange hues made richer still by the lustrous wool used. The traditional Kurdish rug uses Kurdish symbols. It is possible to read the dreams, wishes and hopes of the rug maker from the sequence of symbols used. It is this signification and communication both individually and grouped into Kurdish rug making Kurdish people study how meaning is constructed and understood by talking with the rug maker. Other crafts are embroidery, leather-working, and metal ornamentation. Kurds are especially known for copper-working.
Kurdish Sports
Popular sports include soccer, wrestling, hunting and shooting, and cirit, a traditional sport that involves throwing a javelin while mounted on horseback. Camel-and horse-racing are popular in rural areas.
That's all for today guys! I hope learning more about the history and culture of the Kurds encourages you go and talk and engage with Kurdish people, it might even inspire you to help make Kurdistan an official country for the mistreated Kurds.
Comment any countries or peoples you'd like me to research next or just put your opinion. All thoughts and point of views are welcome here!
Until Next Time!
Sources
P.S. If you want to help recent kurdish projects, you can find more information and ways to help on the link above! :)
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