Before Delîl Dîlanar became known for the beauty of her voice, she was just a wedding guest. The Kurdish song she sang at a wedding in Muş was a turning point in her life. After this song, Dîlanar was forced to leave the land where she was born and raised due to oppression, but her real musical journey was just beginning.

A journey to Istanbul and the Mesopotamia Cultural Center

This adventure, which stretched from Muş to Istanbul, became professional when she met the Mesopotamia Cultural Center. Although the bans on Kurdish music were lifted in the 1990s, it was still difficult to produce due to the fears of music companies.

When Delîl Dîlanar could not find the opportunity to make music freely in Turkey, she was forced to exile to Europe in 1996, like many Kurdish artists. This forced separation both shaped her art and opened the door to a longing that would last for years.

Education and stage experience in Europe

Dîlanar, who received musical and instrument training from many artists, especially German musicians, gave concerts in various cities in Europe and America.

He also received instrument training from kaval master Egîdê Cimo for three years. This period turned into a period in which he strengthened his musical infrastructure and also blended dengbêj culture with contemporary interpretations.

Albums, Dengbêjlik and his uncle Husênê Muşî

Delîl Dîlanar, who has released five albums to date, has particularly reinterpreted the following classical Kurdish kilams with contemporary instruments:

• Dewrêşê Evdî
• Neçirvano
• Serayê
• Serê Tarxan
• Zerîyê
• Qasimo

The traces of dengbêjlik are strongly felt in Dîlanar’s music. This is no coincidence; because he spent his childhood with his uncle, dengbêj Husênê Muşî. The artist also dedicated an album to her uncle.

Return from exile and first concert

After more than 20 years of exile, Dîlanar returned to her hometown of Muş in 2015 with the film Kurdistan-Kurdistan. During the same period, she gave a concert in Istanbul and met with her fans after many years.

And now, she is going on tour for the first time in 27 years. With her art, exile, longing and return, Dîlanar is not only an artist who makes music; she is also the voice, memory and emotion of a people.

Music transcends exile

The story of Delîl Dîlanar is not only the life story of an artist; it is also an indicator of how Kurdish music has survived despite bans, oppression and exiles.

Dîlanar, who is back on stage and meeting with her people after 27 years, continues on her path as both a witness of the past and the voice of the future.