Humans of East - Humans of Kurdistan

Story of a Kurd from the East (Eastern Kurdistan) In the past, making a quilt was a difficult and labor-intensive task that would take about two days to complete. The quilt would be filled with a lot of cotton and would become so heavy that it could keep out severe cold and wouldn't easily slip off a person while sleeping. But nowadays, because cotton is used less, the craft has changed significantly and is no longer the same as when I learned it. Although my grandfather was a quilt seller, I learned the craft from Haji Habib and spent the happiest days of my life with him. He was also the first person in the city of Sanandaj to obtain a special license for this craft from the syndicate. My name is Nadir. I was born in 1975 in the city of Sanandaj. My friend Teymour and I have been doing this work together for about 47 years. When I was six years old, my family apprenticed me to Mr. Habib, and I learned the craft under his guidance. It was his kindness and skilled hands that made me become more passionate about the craft day by day, and even after his passing, I continued to practice it. ...

23/04/2025

چیرۆکی کوردێكی ڕۆژهەڵات I have been connected to the wood profession for a long time, and my father did the same work as a wood seller. I have been involved in this work since childhood. My name is Sharara Rahmani, I was born in 1988, and I have a degree in sculpture and fine arts. For many years, I have done painting work with many distinguished teachers in Sanandaj, and I have been busy with this work for five years, and have taken several specialized courses. For about three years, I have established a workshop where I create art paintings, sculptures, and woodwork such as chess sets and many other handicrafts. I have bigger goals - I desire to make more beautiful work and advance further, so that in the future I can establish a workshop larger than the current one. ...

Mar 26 2025

26/03/2025

In my work as a kolber (border porter), I endured great pain and hardship, so I decided to quit that difficult job. With the help of friends and the support of my family, I started working in sculpture. My name is Omer Pezeshkiyan, and I am from the village of Kolan in Marivan. I am 43 years old and have two children. I collect and use the dry wood that people throw away as trash, and I use it to create sculptures. Now, I love my work very much and enjoy working on the details. This has created demand for my sculptures both inside the country and even abroad. I have opened several solo exhibitions that have been well received. I make a living by selling my artistic works, and my dream is to open a special exhibition in Italy in the near future. ...

Feb 26 2025

26/2/2025

I began with the profession of carpentry. Like a mother who raises her child with love and affection, I worked with wood with the same tenderness and passion. For this reason, people appreciated my work. My love for aesthetics and delving deeper into this art didn't allow me to pursue secondary work, and earning money wasn't important to me. Therefore, when I saw that my handicrafts and artistic products were being sent abroad, it was a source of pride for me. I have never imitated others' work; I've always sought unique and different work. Instead of imitating, I preferred to create my own innovations and produce new and beautiful things. That's why if someone asks me to create something, I desire to add innovation to it. On that note, I am currently busy making a drum (dahol) for my daughter. Previously, I made zurna and balaban instruments for my son. By doing these things, I reassure myself that in this short life, we should live for the heart, not for money. ...

Jan 29 2025

29/01/2025

My name is Parisa Rahimi. I am 28 years old. Although I hold a master’s degree in computer engineering, my true passion has always been horseback riding. I have been an equestrian for 15 years and currently work as a coach at a club in Sanandaj. Horseback riding is an ancient and unique sport that offers both physical and mental tranquility. Throughout my career, I have competed in several equestrian tournaments across Iran and East Kurdistan, earning first--, second, and third-place titles. I also served as vice president of the Sanandaj Equestrian Board for four years. I hold an official Class III Coaching Federation Certificate in equestrianism and a specialized qualification for training individuals with disabilities. I have dedicated my life to this profession and take great pride in sharing the beauty of this sport with others. ...

Jan 22 2025

22/1/2025

Uncle Tofiq is a special needs person. He is 84 years old. For about 50 years in the town of Hasanawa in Sanandaj, he has been busy repairing oil lamps and samovars and installing burners to stoves. He has emerged as a skilled and talented craftsman and continues his profession to this day. In addition to his lamp-making work, he also works as a folk healer for people with fallen navels*, helping to restore them. Although Uncle Tofiq is deaf, he understands customers' and patients' requests through sign language and has developed excellent relationships with those around him. *Nave sliding is an abdominal wall defect, and gastrointestinal and psychological problems are listed as the most prominent signs and symptoms. ...

Nov 27 2024

27/11/2024

in Humans of East, Humans of South

People call me Mam Darwish, but my real name is Affan Hama-Yousef. I was born in Biara and have lived there for all 68 years of my life. A human-made border has split my country and village into two parts. I built my teahouse right between these borders. Inside its walls, there are no divisions—I serve tea and hot milk to my guests, no matter where they come from. This humble café has become a tourist attraction, drawing visitors from all over the world. The spot where I make tea is on the Iraqi side of the border, while my guests sit on the Iranian side. But to me, it’s all one land—it’s all Kurdistan. ...

Nov 06 2024

6/11/2024

Like many women in my community, I’ve never wanted to just work at home, help my family, and cook. I’ve always wanted to be financially independent, and I believe a woman can both create a warm, welcoming home and run her own business. But living in a small town like Marivan, this hasn’t been easy. ...

Oct 31 2024

30/10/2024

The prosthetic leg the hospital made for me was painful, so I eventually crafted my own from a willow tree, earning me the nickname Hussein Dartash (Carpenter). I have a deep love for the nature and mountains of Kurdistan. One day, while searching for spring plants along the border between Southern and Eastern Kurdistan, I stepped on a landmine left from the Iran-Iraq war, which led to the loss of my leg. Later, as I moved to Marivan and trained as a carpenter, I found hope in crafting a wooden leg for myself. In the past twenty years, I've created many prosthetic legs for others who needed help rising above life’s challenges. I’ve always expressed my heartache by playing the Shimshal I carved from tree branches in the mountains of Kurdistan. ...

Oct 15 2024

15/10/2024

This Newroz, I will turn sixty and retire from my craft forever. I am probably the last Kurd in Kurdistan who still practices the art of toolmaking, which involves creating items like keys, locks, baskets, knives, and chains. The past twenty years have been the most significant of my artistic life. It all began when I filled my room with my creations, especially those made from canvas and cardboard. Visitors would come to our home and say, "Let's go to Behzad's room." My first workshop was in Sanandaj, and I dedicated my life to this craft for many years. My work is such a deeply rooted art that I could continue it for the rest of my life. However, I feel sorrow, knowing that one day, I may have to abandon my room and art for life's demands. ...

May 24 2023

March 2, 2023

by Sartip Vim