AANES, artists work on enhancing cultural diversity in NE Syria
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Since the military defeat of the Islamic State (ISIS), the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) has worked to enhance the cultural diversity in its areas.
Syrian artists who live in the AANES-held areas have utilized their local languages to convey a noble message including the preservation of the Syrian heritage. All this through re-producing traditional songs and folk dances that embody Syria’s heritage and the culture of its various communities.
Ramtha Sham’oun, head of Syriac Barmaya Group for dancing, told North Press that all forms of traditional dances prevalent among the communities are deeply rooted in this region.
Kurdish, Arabic, Syriac, Turkmen, Circassian, and Armenian melodies fit together and create a unique artistic interaction that represents the identity and the rich heritage of the Syrian people.
Before 2011, Syrian governments implemented a policy of exclusion in the region, where they marginalized all the existing languages and cultures, mainly the Kurdish. The said policy included enforcing one language system, that is to designate the language of the authority as a single and official language in the country, Sarkhabon Zeino, a cultural activist, told North Press.
This prompted artists and officials of the AANES to exert efforts to revive the cultural heritage and folklore of the region, says Bekes Dari, member of the Mesopotamia Movement for Culture and Art, an association affiliated with the AANES.
When it took control over the region, ISIS prohibited practicing art, music and culture. This forced some local artists to flee, while others were forced to abandon their activities for fear of imprisonment and whipping.
After defeating ISIS militarily, the AANES paved the way for all Syrian communities to practice and preserve their tradition and culture.
Each community has formed its own music group to let the world get familiar with its culture, folklore, and music. Also, the northeast Syrian communities have produced joint work including video clips and exhibition to present their integrity and coexistence.
Ali Alaya, an artist, says that joint work builds confidence among all communities of Northeast Syria and opened the way for all artists to learn about each other’s cultures.