'Women are the architect of dengbêj culture'
NEWS DESK (DİHA) - Metin Demir, who has been running a music shop in the town of Mûş for 38 years, shared his views on the dengbêjlik (traditional singing) culture. Demir said that women were fundamental to the dengbêjlik culture.
Metin Demir emphasised that this culture constitutes the Kurds' memory, adding that in order for this tradition to be maintained it is necessary that there be courses in dengbêjlik culture at universities. Demir continued, saying that the tales in these songs are all based on true stories, adding: "Despite developments in technology, dengbêjlik culture lives on, thanks to young people taking possession of it." Demir said he had worked with well known dengbêj (singers) such as Şakiro, Zahiro and Dengbêj Hüseyno, adding: “University students come to me and ask to listen to songs. Their efforts will ensure the culture continues."
Women fundamental to dengbêjlik culture
Demir said that women were fundamental to the dengbêjlik culture. "In the past women would sing laments for their loved ones who had passed away, and songs about events that had occurred. However, due to women not having an equal say in society in Kurdistan dengbêjlik culture came to be carried on by men. Men would sing the women's songs at communal events, but now there are women dengbêj who enrich our culture."
(nt)
