It has an ancient history, and its style varies by region
One of the national characteristics and distinctions in the world—besides language, culture, and clothing—is the diversity of traditions and cultural expression. Kurdish dance is a unique cultural form and a symbol of the distinction and independence of Kurdish national identity.
Kurdish dance, with its graceful movements and diverse regional styles, is performed collectively and has attracted admiration from people around the world. Kurdish dance festivals are held in many countries and often draw international audiences.
Kurdish dance, or shayi in Kurdish, is not only a form of expressing joy and happiness. It is also traditionally performed during social and religious occasions—such as wartime rituals, religious ceremonies, agricultural labor (especially harvest time), or even during local games.
In the ancient history of the Kurdish people, special movements such as sama or ritualistic dances were also part of mourning and grief ceremonies. Although these types of dances are now less commonly performed, some areas in Kurdistan still preserve unique movements for funerals and expressions of grief.
Kurdish dance is easily recognized by the colorful Kurdish clothing worn by participants—young and old, men and women—who join hands and move in a unified line. At the front of this line is a skilled leader, called the sarchopi or chopikesh, who directs and organizes the dance.
Kurdish dance is not limited to a single style. Its form changes depending on the region, with each area having its own unique traditions. In general, Kurdish dance can be categorized into several types, depending on the occasion. For example, Razmi refers to dances symbolizing war, uprising, and political struggle—often expressing resistance against an enemy.
Another popular category is Bazmi, representing joy and celebration. These dances are performed at weddings, birthday parties, and other joyous occasions. There are also religious dances, often referred to as sama, and mourning dances, which are still practiced in certain parts of Kurdistan.
Kurdish dance remains a living tradition among the youth of Kurdistan. Even children are introduced to it at an early age, reflecting the strong cultural desire to preserve it. Thanks to the resilience of Kurdish identity and strong social ties, these dances continue to be organized on many occasions. In addition, dozens of dedicated groups and schools have been established to teach various styles of Kurdish dance, highlighting the cultural value placed on this heritage.
The Kurdish Globe