Following its dissolution decision in 2019, Koma Berxwedan entered a period of restructuring and announced its new phase to the public with a reception held in Cologne. The event, which took place at the “Da Vet Fusion Mediterranean Kitchen” hall, brought together artists and representatives of various institutions.
Cultural institutionalization emphasized
In its founding declaration, Koma Berxwedan stated that in the new period it will not be limited solely to music production, emphasizing that it will become an institutional structure that preserves, develops, and transmits Kurdish culture to new generations. The group announced that it will position itself as a “Culture Academy and School.”
The group also said that it decided to restructure within the framework of the “Democratic Society and Peace” process that began on 27 February with the call of Abdullah Öcalan, adding that it approaches this process from a perspective of cultural construction.
Koma Berxwedan became the conscience of the people
Hozan Xelîl Xemgîn, on behalf of Koma Berxwedan, drew attention to the group’s historical mission and stated that Koma Berxwedan has been an inseparable part of the national freedom struggle.
Xemgîn said that “Koma Berxwedan means looking at Amele and Hozan Şemdin. This project was Abdullah Öcalan’s project. It was a structure where all the colors of Kurdistan and its musical richness came together. This process, which began in 1986, became a national voice and conscience.”
Xemgîn also said that Kurdish cultural institutions were subjected to political pressure and bans for many years, adding that repression intensified internationally, especially after 1993. He said that “Our archives were confiscated; our institutions were shut down. Despite this, we resisted it for 33 years. Now we are rebuilding this legacy as a school.”
In addition to artists such as Hozan Şemdin, Kawa, Amele, Gülistan Musa, Şiyar Munzur, Hozan Aydın, Jiyan Osman and Bengî Agirî, representatives of the Movement for a Democratic Society Culture and Art Committee (TEV-ÇAND), Hunerê Mizgîn, Kurdish Red Crescent (Heyva Sor), YEK MAL and KOMAV attended the event. Messages were also sent by the Kurdistan National Congress (KNK), the People’s Congress of Kurdistan (KONGRA GEL), and the Kurdistan Communities Union – Europe (KCK-E).
In the message from Remzi Kartal, Co-chair of the KONGRA GEL, it was emphasized that Koma Berxwedan has been the voice of the freedom struggle, and it was stated that the group will also play a leading role in the construction of a democratic society in the new period.
The message from the KNK highlighted the group’s contributions in the field of culture and art, stressing the importance of renewing itself in line with the spirit of the new period.
In the message from the KCK-E, it was underlined that art, as in the past, will continue to play a decisive role in social construction today, noting that the leadership of artists is vital.
The event concluded with the collective performance of Koma Berxwedan’s songs of resistance.
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