Nurshan Abdi

Kobani – Art is a way of expressing the meaning of life, but when this art is practiced by women with their own hands, it turns into a level of resistance against misogyny.

In Rojava, where thousands of young people in recent revolutionary years have offered themselves to the fields of culture and art and taken them as an identity for life, they illuminate their artistic future with great work, deep meaning, and enthusiasm linked to their cause.

In the city of Kobani in Rojava, hundreds of young women see in the Golden Crescent Movement Center a place where they can develop themselves in the art field and draw a future of their own.

From Newroz in Aleppo to many other cities

In this center works artist Şirin Ararat, 21 years old, who began her artistic journey at the age of seven. She continues her efforts and struggles alongside others to make art a voice for her people's cause.

Şirin Ararat became known for her voice in the city of Kobani and in many areas of Rojava. About her artistic beginnings, she says: "I began my artistic work at the age of seven in Aleppo. At that time, it was my first appearance on stage officially during Newroz celebrations in Aleppo." She added: "Thanks to my family's unconditional support, and despite the difficult conditions Kurds were living in at that time, I insisted on continuing my artistic work. Back then, women were not allowed to be part of the artistic scene, nor was their presence accepted by society. Also, the reality of our silence as a Kurdish people for many years was always present. For this reason, I used my art to resist the attacks targeting our existence, and to struggle against attempts to erase women and deny their existence."

Şirin Ararat noted that her artistic experience extended to North Kurdistan as well. "In 2014, during the resistance of Kobani, I joined the cultural and artistic work of Mesopotamia in North Kurdistan. During that period, the daf (frame drum) attracted my attention a lot, so I decided to develop myself through this instrument. I participated in many artistic events organized under the auspices of the Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP), and there I actually met great artists, and through their encouragement I reached where I am today."

"I turned my artistic work into a goal to build something new"

In 2015, she returned to Kobani and decided to make her city a space to build her artistic project. She recounts those days: "After returning to Kobani and seeing the destruction that had befallen it, my determination to pursue art increased. I said to myself: We must rebuild this city through culture and art as well. So I joined the work of the Baqi Khado Culture and Art Center, and participated as a singer and a member of the ensemble. I was twelve years old then, yet I was finding myself a place in the artistic activities of Rojava."

Şirin Ararat, who now works within the Golden Crescent Movement Center, speaking about the impact of women's work on shaping her artistic personality, says: "When the Golden Crescent Movement Center opened in Kobani, I immediately joined the women's artistic activities. This center, with its awareness, calmness, and unique way of working, left a great and different impact inside me. Therefore, I started to put my own signature on my artistic journey through the work I present here."

Step by step, she approaches her goal

Şirin Ararat, still at the beginning of her artistic career, affirms that she will continue her path with great passion. "At the Golden Crescent Center, I am a singer, and at the same time I study rhythm and also train myself. When I look back at the past years, I see that I have been able, quietly and with serious work, to build a presence for myself as a woman artist within society. Now, alongside my artistic work, I also study in the music department at the university, and this does not pose an obstacle to my passion and connection to art. For this reason, I am very happy, and I will continue on this journey."