In order to draw attention to this strong tradition, Diyarbakır-based Mordem Sanat has launched an event series titled “Narrative Tradition from Yesterday to Today.” The events include various workshops, talks and stage performances on the culture of dengbej, the artistic dimension of narrative and the contemporary equivalent of oral memory.

Barış Işık: Narrative tradition is our identity

Mordem Art Director Barış Işık, who organized the event, explained why the narrative tradition is so important for Şoperêç as follows:

“Narrative tradition carries not only our past but also our identity. Dengbej do not just tell stories; they keep the emotions, struggles and memories of a people alive. We also want to carry this heritage to the present.”

The power of words is the memory of culture

Narrative tradition means not only remembering the past but also keeping it alive. With Mordem Sanat’s “Narrative Tradition from Past to Present” event, this oral culture is becoming visible again. The Kurdish narrative tradition continues to live on today on stages, in workshops and in the memories of the younger generations.