Damascus, April 20 (SANA) Performances marking the second day of the “Kurdish Days” festival in Damascus showcased traditional music and dance, drawing attention to Kurdish cultural heritage and its place within Syria’s diverse social fabric.
The event, held at Khan Asaad Pasha al-Azem, featured the Ashti Heritage Band, which presented a series of performances combining Kurdish folk dances with live music, including buzuq playing by musician Mahmoud Khalil.
Four staged performances depicted scenes from Kurdish weddings and celebrations, while the Ashti Youth Band delivered routines reflecting efforts to pass on cultural traditions to younger generations.
Abdullah Murad, a trainer with the Ashti troupe, told SANA on Sunday that the performances highlighted different aspects of Syrian Kurdish heritage, including the Reqsa Kevokê (Dance of the Pigeon), known for its distinct rhythm and coordinated group movements.
Khalil said preserving heritage through education is essential, adding that increased opportunities for cultural expression have helped raise awareness of Kurdish traditions within Syrian society.
Audience members said the event contributed to promoting cultural diversity, while translator Khaled Shams al-Din noted the symbolic significance of hosting the festival at a historic venue following the black years of division.
The “Kurdish Days” festival opened on Saturday at the headquarters of the Arab Writers Union in Damascus, marking its first edition in Syria with the participation of writers and intellectuals.
N.J/ ABD
