Festival revives Kurdish equestrian culture in Iran
BUKAN, Iran - An equestrian festival showcasing Kurdish breeds of horses was held last weekend in Bukan, in Iran’s West Azerbaijan province.
Kurdish horses are renowned for their strength and were once central to life in the mountains. Festival organizers and horseback riders are hoping to revive interest in the horses.
“There was a time when these horses lived in this city. They were once a part of our culture. They were part of our families. Now they’re gone,” said Arish Babamiri, a horseback rider from Bukan.
Training centres have been opened in several cities, attracting a lot of attention from people who want to learn how to ride and boosting efforts to revive equestrian culture.
Historically, horses played a significant role in Kurdish life as transportation for villagers in remote and mountainous areas, and to carry weapons and food for Peshmerga forces during revolutions.
Several Kurdish breeds have been identified, including the Jaf, Afshari, and Sanjabi.
“There’s a clear distinction between Kurdish and other breeds. It’s obvious what they were used for. They were used in the past for traveling and fighting. They are very strong horses,” said Aram Hemin, a horseback rider from Sanandaj.
Reporting by a freelancer in Iran
Translation and video editing by Sarkawt Mohammed
Kurdish horses are renowned for their strength and were once central to life in the mountains. Festival organizers and horseback riders are hoping to revive interest in the horses.
“There was a time when these horses lived in this city. They were once a part of our culture. They were part of our families. Now they’re gone,” said Arish Babamiri, a horseback rider from Bukan.
Training centres have been opened in several cities, attracting a lot of attention from people who want to learn how to ride and boosting efforts to revive equestrian culture.
Historically, horses played a significant role in Kurdish life as transportation for villagers in remote and mountainous areas, and to carry weapons and food for Peshmerga forces during revolutions.
Several Kurdish breeds have been identified, including the Jaf, Afshari, and Sanjabi.
“There’s a clear distinction between Kurdish and other breeds. It’s obvious what they were used for. They were used in the past for traveling and fighting. They are very strong horses,” said Aram Hemin, a horseback rider from Sanandaj.
Reporting by a freelancer in Iran
Translation and video editing by Sarkawt Mohammed