Kermanshah – The ancient art of Hora, one of the oldest forms of Kurdish music, took center stage this week as the city hosted its first Hora competition. The event brought together 40 performers from Ilam, Kermanshah, and Sanandaj, each striving to showcase their mastery of this unique vocal tradition.
Organized as part of the Hora Music Festival by the Kurdish Literary Group in Kermanshah, the competition highlighted both the depth of Kurdish cultural heritage and the passion of the artists who continue to keep it alive.
Hora, also known as Hure, is performed across Eastern Kurdistan—in Kermanshah and parts of Sanandaj—as well as in Southern Kurdistan, particularly the Garmiyan region. Unlike many other singing traditions, Hora emerges from deep in the throat, demanding exceptional vocal strength and control. For this reason, only a handful of artists today perform it with full authenticity. Among the most recognized are Ali Mewaka, Khalid Kelari, and Sabah Jaf, who remain devoted to preserving the art form.
The history of Hora stretches back more than 4,000 years, to the Zoroastrian era, when it was used in both work and religious life—serving as prayer, storytelling, and a way of expressing human emotions to God. Over centuries, it evolved into multiple branches, including Kesasi, Gharibi, Dudangi, Pawamori, and Banbane. Each carries its own distinct tone, whether for mourning, joy, or celebration. Women, too, have long played a role in shaping and sustaining Hora, particularly in forms linked to grieving and communal rituals.
Experts say that despite its decline in popularity among younger generations, Hora remains deeply embedded in Kurdish identity. While newer musical styles attract more attention today, Hora continues to hold a place among respected artists, cultural figures, and those who seek authentic Kurdish expression.
As voices rose in Kermanshah’s first Hora competition, it became clear that this ancient art is not merely a sound of the past. It is a living heritage, carried forward by dedicated performers and a community determined to ensure that Hora, the voice of Kurdish memory and resilience, will never fade.
