Kurdish Traditional Ceremony (The Festival Of Pir Shaliyar)

Kurdish photographer (Omer Kerim), known for his candid portraits and street photography, often depicts people in the heart of mainstream society.Thus, he has produced an outstanding series of works, which represent the culture, traditions and beliefs of people in the region.This collection is about a traditional ceremony of (Pir Shaliyar) which took place in eastern part of Kurdistan.it mimics a scene of ancient traditions that people have kept them for almost a millennium, and the photos of participators and ritualistic dances, who are part of the ceremony which is filled with rhythmic music and religious chants take us to the heart of the divine feelings of that moment and creates a sacred atmosphere which makes the audiences live the moment.This ceremony generally represents the collaboration and fellowship of people in Kurdistan although it reinforces the unity and brotherhood between Kurdish people.

But what is the story behind this ceremony? How did it begin?The festival of (Pir Shaliyar) is an ancient traditional ceremony that still alive in the mountains of Kurdistan. It is believed that (Pir Shalyar) celebrations go back to over 950 years. The legend is about a wise old man, who was very much respected and well known in the region. His fame had reached as far as (Bukhara), where the king was searching for a wise medicine man to cure his daughter (Shah Bahar Khatoon).The princess was deaf and mute, and her father announced who ever could cure the princess, gets permission to marry her and after learning about (Pir Shalyar), the king decided to send her daughter to (Hawraman), As her convoy got close to the destination, she was could hear the frightening roar of a demon. When they arrived the house of the (Pir), the demon fell down the cliff and died at the Pir’s door.By this she suddenly started to speak and everyone saw it as the miracle of (Pir Shaliyar). The princess became Pir’s wife and people of (Hawraman) celebrated the wedding for several days.Thus each year in the 40th day of winter the celebration is held into two main parts.

In the first day early morning children inform the people of the coming of the ceremony by going door to door, give walnut to the families and people give them sweets and treats instead.Shortly after that cattle and sheep are sacrificed and the meat of the animals will be distributed among people of the village. In the evening they play Daf (traditional frame drum of this region) pray and dance with repeating spiritual hymns.This dance is very unique as the young and old bend to the rhythm, flying their long hair in the cold air of the mid winter, while people watching them on the rooftops.

In the second day morning they bake golden breads made of wheat and walnut in the disc shape (symbolizing the sun).The bread will be taken to the tomb of (Pir Shalyar), later it will be distributed among participants and village houses.In the evening again they play Daf drumming and ritual dance.