In a new artistic milestone, Kurdish singer Dashti Kalhuri has released a song titled Zanko, dedicated to Garmian Polytechnic University and inspired by the suffering, resilience, and history of the Garmian region.
Speaking about the project, Kalhuri said the work marks a first in Kurdistan’s artistic history.
“For the first time in the history of Kurdistan, an artist sings a song for a university, and that is a source of pride for me,” he said.
Kalhuri added that he composed the melody himself, while the lyrics were written by Dr Ahmed Bawer. The music arrangement and distribution were handled by Amir Jabbarian.
According to the artist, the song reflects the geography of Kurdistan, the pain endured by Garmian, and the Kurdish people’s enduring pursuit of freedom.
He said the anthem also honours the memory of the Anfal campaign and the heroism shown by the people of Garmian, describing the university as a symbol born from sacrifice, resilience, and perseverance.
“It is a great honour for me to be the first artist in the history of Kurdistan to compose a song dedicated to a university,” Kalhuri said, thanking the leadership of Garmian Polytechnic University for their trust and support.
Dashti Kalhuri was born in Kirkuk and raised in Kalar. He has lived abroad for more than 24 years.
He said his passion for singing began in childhood, when he performed among family and friends. For more than a decade, he has focused professionally on music, with many of his works centred on patriotic and national themes.
