Members of the iconic Kurdish band Koma Amed arrived in Amed (Diyarbakır) ahead of their long-awaited concert and began their visit by honoring Tahir Elçi, the former head of the Amed Bar Association, who was assassinated on November 28, 2015, in front of the Four-Legged Minaret. The group laid carnations at the site where Elçi was killed, reaffirming their respect for his legacy.
Following the commemoration, they visited several cultural institutions, including the Dicle Culture and Art Association, the Women’s Culture, Art and Literature Association (KASED), and Ma Music. They were warmly received at each stop, performing songs during their visit to Ma Music and expressing gratitude for the city’s enduring spirit of cultural resistance.
A long-awaited return after 30 years
Koma Amed is performing in Amed for the first time in three decades. The musicians spoke to Mezopotamya Agency (MA) about their emotions upon returning to the city after 30 years.
Memo (Mehmet) Gül, one of the founding members, said: “It’s impossible to describe this feeling. After such a long time, being here again fills us with joy and a touch of sadness. We never imagined we would return, and everything happened so suddenly. We are very excited and hopeful. We invite everyone in Amed and nearby cities to join us.”
Another member, Fikri Kutlay, emphasized: “Coming back here is deeply meaningful. I once worked as a doctor in this city, but this will be my first time performing as a musician. That makes it even more emotional. We hope to deliver a beautiful performance and look forward to meeting our people.”
We will perform with the spirit of Newroz
Band member Serhat Karakaş added: “As Koma Amed, we are back together after 38 years. We believe the people of Amed will not leave us alone tomorrow. We will perform in the Newroz area with the enthusiasm and spirit of Newroz.”
Their reunion in Amed has become more than a musical event, it stands as a cultural homecoming and a celebration of Kurdish identity, resilience, and freedom through art.
The free concert will take place at 6:00 p.m. in Newroz Park, and the band invited residents of Amed and nearby cities to attend.