Kurd Ethnicity

The term ‘’Kurd” is derived from a noun meaning Nomad and Herdsmen. Before the Muslim conquest of Persia, the people who dwelled the mountains were referred to as Kurti (Kurdi). The Kurds were known as one of the most skillful warriors among the Sasanian army. The Kurds are the third largest ethnic group in Iran who live in mountainous regions extending from the eastern hills of the east of Zagros Mountain to the south and the median of Hamedan and Sanandaj. They inhabit the lands within the South of Kermanshah and Ilam and also the north of Mardin and Viran Shahr.

Culture and customs of the Kurds

One of the most important and eye-catching touristic attractions of a certain region are the customs, traditions, festivals, and ceremonies which are practiced by the locals of that region during holidays and different occasions. For instance, the celebration of Nowruz, in different parts of Iran, has always caught the interest of tourists.

The Kurds, as the native Kurd-speaking citizens of Iran, have been able to preserve a major part of their national and religious costumes and traditions during these times of social and lifestyle changes. Today, tourists and anthropology researchers are much interested in these customs and their cultural and social roots.  

Significant Ceremonies held by the Kurds:

• Buke Barane: This is a tradition performed by Kurds to pray for rain falls. Buke Barane literary means the bride of Rain.
• 9 Ruz (Days): For 9 days, the Kurds light fire on mountain’s summit to celebrate the victory over the devil.
• Mir Mirin: This celebration with its ancient roots has been performed every year, during Nowruz, with outmost glory.
• Pir Shalyar: This ceremony has its roots in mythological beliefs and ancient religious beliefs of the Kurds. The wedding of Pir Shalyar (Shahryar) is an ancient ceremony. According to historical written sources, the old clergyman, the follower of Zarathustra, is known as Pir Shalyar who is much respected among the people of Oraman. He does not show his way and book to strangers. His wise words and language is the vernacular language of the people. The ceremony takes place in three stages during February for three weeks celebrating the anniversary of the marriage of Pir Shalyar.

Characteristic of the Kurds

• The Kurds have been knowns as the guardians of the land of Persia for their warfare and persistence.
• Hospitality is another one of their outstanding characteristic. The Kurds believe that it is a duty for a Kurd to always look forward to welcoming guests with all their heart.
• The Kurds are also famous for their heroic and chivalric behavior. The people of Al-hagh as a part of the Kurd community call themselves Yarresan (the helper).
• The Kurds lifestyle is strongly linked with dancing and music. Kurdish music represent a great portion of their culture.  Following this, living a happy life is a rule for them.

Kurdish Dance

Kurdish dance is a part of their ritual which is performed in groups of men and women dancing along in the form of a half-circle while their hands are tied together moving from right to left. The first person on the right holds a piece of cloth in their hands and leads the rest of the group. S/he is chosen from the best dancers. Interestingly, the Kurdish dance movements are depicted on many crockeries belonging to the before historical times period.

Kurdish Handicrafts

Jajim, Kilim, embroidery, Giweh embroidery, Namad Mali (felt processing), and delicate wood artworks are of the handicrafts of the Kurds.

Sanandaj and Bijar are the centers of carpet and Kilim weaving. The worldwide popularity of this artwork has led to the word Seteh (Sanandaj in Kurdish language) being registered in the British Encyclopedia representing the name of a special kind of Carpet.

One of the most important handicrafts of Kurdistan is delicate Wood carving (Nazok Kari) that is done on several types of wood with outmost delicacy.

Kulash Giweh is another special handicraft of Kurdistan. Kulash is a type of shoe. This shoe is designed and made to be comfortable, flexible, light, and suitable for the mountainous region of Kurdistan. The covering of the shoe is made of cotton threads.

Due to the availability of high quality forest wood and the Kurds’ great talent in performing traditional music, Kurdistan is considered as one of the main regions for the supply and making of Musical Instruments, especially traditional Musical Instruments