Women from All Four Parts of Kurdistan Hold Cultural Celebration in Amsterdam

The Kurdistan Diaspora Federation in the Netherlands organised a large cultural and social celebration in Amsterdam for women from all four parts of Kurdistan, with the aim of strengthening national ties and preserving Kurdish heritage in the diaspora.

The event began with a minute of silence in honour of the martyrs of Kurdistan. During the celebration, Sabah Mustafa Salih, a member of the Board of Directors of the Kurdistan Diaspora Federation in the Netherlands, delivered a speech highlighting the importance of continuing such activities abroad.

He noted that being far from the homeland should not lead to a disconnection from authentic Kurdish identity. He also emphasised that preserving the mother tongue and teaching the younger generation about Kurdish culture and history in the diaspora are key responsibilities shared by all Kurds. He added that the federation can play an important role as a central institution in fulfilling this mission.

In another part of the event, the participating women and girls, under the supervision of Amina Mahmoud, showcased the richness of Kurdish national culture by presenting a variety of traditional Kurdish dishes.

Meanwhile, the Yek Welat artistic group performed several Kurdish traditional dance routines, and the poet Shahi Badrkhan also took part in the programme by reciting a poem. Later, attendees joined in traditional Kurdish group dances (govend), creating an atmosphere filled with unity and joy.

Cultural and social activities organised by Kurdish diaspora communities across Europe, particularly in the Netherlands, are regarded as an important means of preventing the erosion of Kurdish culture and language. In addition to bringing Kurds from different parts of Kurdistan closer together, such gatherings provide an opportunity for younger generations born in the diaspora to connect firsthand with their ancestral traditions, cuisine and cultural heritage.

Amsterdam — Abdulqahar Hewleri

Translated and edited from Kurdish into English by Davan Yahya Khalil