ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The fourth Kurdish melodies festival returned to the town of Zarrineh in Iran’s Kurdistan province on Friday, bringing together artists from across Rojhelat (western Iran) to celebrate Kurdish folk music, traditional dances and cultural heritage.
Organized by local authorities in Divandarreh, the festival showcased the diverse musical traditions of Rojhelat, with performers from different cities and regions gathering to preserve and promote Kurdish folklore.
Kamal Qadiri, an artist who attended the event, praised the diversity of musical styles represented at the festival and stressed the importance of safeguarding Kurdish cultural traditions.
“I thoroughly enjoyed the musical styles of Marivan, Hawshar, Saqqez, and other regions which I can't name at this moment,” Qadiri told Rudaw.
“Holding such events is crucial today, at a time when Kurdish folklore is being marginalized and is fading away,” he added.
The participation of artists from across Rojhelat underscored the festival’s role in keeping traditional music alive and passing cultural practices on to younger generations.
Abubakar Askoli, another participating artist, said folkloric performances brought joy to audiences and expressed hope that such initiatives would continue to expand.
“Whenever we see folkloric programs, our spirits are lifted. I hope this continues to grow, and we thank everyone who works hard for it,” Askoli said.
“I hope Kurdish folklore is never cast aside and continues to thrive across all four parts of Kurdistan,” he added.
The performance of veteran Kurdish artist Ainadin Mariwani was another highlight of the gathering, drawing attention to the contribution of established musicians to the preservation of Kurdish artistic traditions.
Sirwan, a resident of Divandarreh, emphasized the importance of introducing pioneering artists to younger audiences.
“It is very important to introduce pioneering artists to the younger generation. They are treasures of Kurdish art,” he said.
