Şivan Perwer, musician and poet

Şivan Perwer is a Kurdish poet, writer, musical teacher, singer, and performer on the tembûr. He is one of the most renowned of Kurdish singer/composers. 

He sings in Kurdish, and his songs often refer to the oppression of the Kurdish people, especially in Turkey. So for decades his songs were banned in Iraq, Syria, and Turkey. Cassettes of his music were passed from hand to hand, despite the risk of imprisonment or death.

He was born İsmail Aygün in Viransehir, Turkey, in 1955. His exposure to Kurdish music as a child led him to a musical career.  

He became famous during Kurdish protests at Ankara University in 1972. Turkish authorities demanded his arrest, due to the political content of his lyrics. In 1976, fearing for his life and the welfare of his family, he fled Turkey and settled in Germany.  There, he began recording  albums of traditional Kurdish songs.

He has composed and sung songs using the poetry of the late Kurdish poet Cigerxwîn. Cigerxwîn was well known for his poetry about the Kurdish struggle and also about Kurdish culture and history. At one time, Cigerxwîn referred to Şivan as “the voice of his poetry.”

Perwer’s music had a strong influence on the PKK, since his songs were often about the karker (meaning worker in Kurmanci).  Especially his song Herne Pêş was considered a PKK anthem.

He has produced over thirty albums, music videos, and documentaries, written several books, and has received many honorary doctorates and international world music prizes.

Here are his new year wishes for 2023.

Among NYKCC volunteers, favorite recordings include “Kine Em” and “Apo Ho” (about Ho Chi Minh).

Visit his YouTube and his website. Photos are from his Facebook page.