Mesopotamia Cultural Center holds concert in front of HDP building today protesting Governor’s ban

The concert that was planned to be held in Van to mark the 30th anniversary of the Mesopotamia Cultural Center (MKM) was banned by the Van Governor’s Office.

MKM artists made a press statement against the ban which saw the participation of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP), Democratic Regions Party (DBP) executives, Tevgara Jinên Azad (TJA) activists and many non-governmental organizations. Artist Kemal Yıldırım read the statement in front of Aryen Cultural Center and said that the MKM has been fighting for free art and the Kurdish language for 30 years. Reminding that their institutions were closed many times and artists detained, Yıldırım underlined that a great price was paid to keep the MKM alive.

Yıldırım said that the investigation, punishment, assimilation and destruction policies did not stop for 30 years, and added that the same applies today. Reminding that even Kurdish national clothes were banned a few days ago, Yıldırım said: “Again, a few days, our song and today our concert were banned. Our concert was banned by the Governor’s Office as it was ‘deemed not appropriate’. This prohibition mentality should know that a language, culture and people can never be destroyed by banning them.”

Yıldırım said: “The Kurds have protected their own culture and arts under all circumstances and continue to do so. If you don’t know this, look back at the history of Kurdish resistance. Those who say that there is no Kurdish problem have to face these lies today. They are guilty before this people and history and will always be remembered as a criminal. As always, we will resist and fight against these policies of destruction. We promise our people; we will not leave them without art. We once again condemn this prohibitive mentality.”

HDP Deputy Muazzez Orhan, who participated to the press conference, announced that the concert will be held in front of the HDP provincial building today and invited everyone to the concert.