Kurdish Traditions
Seywan Saedian, purveyor of Kurdish clove-apples
The clove-apple (sêva mêxekrêj) is an old Kurdish tradition. An apple studded with cloves is used as a token expressing love, and in case of a lovers’ quarrel, to express a desire for peace. Seywan Saedian is a Kurdish sculptor, photographer, painter, and more.
Since 2004 he has worked to revive this tradition, both nationally and internationally, in the form of art projects. His website is here.
Seywan Saedian was interviewed by Zanyar Mihemmedînikû for NYKCC’s Kurdish Heritage Month in 2022.
Length: 39 minutes | Language: Sorani
Fatma Temel, Kurdish DEQ artist
DEQ is traditional Kurdish tattoo art. It differs from the modern tattooing in its ingredients, which include sheet metal soot or ash, coal dust, milk from a lactating mother who has weaned a female baby (which is believed to make the tattoo stick permanently), and liquid from an animal’s gallbladder. DEQ is applied by embroidering the mixture into the skin with needles.
DEQ is most commonly found among Kurdish women but is also observed among men. However, the practice of DEQ has become less common due to the influence of Islam and has been replaced with henna. Some Kurds are seeking to revive the use of DEQ as a way of asserting Kurdish identity. DEQ is also practiced by Yazidis.
Fatma Temel was interviewed by Gulistan Korban Rencber for NYKCC’s Kurdish Heritage Month in 2022.
Length: 12 minutes | Language: Kurmanci
