ZEYNEB ÎSA

Qamishlo- Young women playing the erbane (a musical instrument) in the orchestra built by the  Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) Art and Culture Council attract attention. In North and East Syria, young women learn how to play the erbane to preserve Kurdish culture.

 Cîhan Şanbaz, an erbane trainer, and her student Fidan Bilal call on women to take part in the orchestra.

 ‘Our aim is to preserve Kurdish art and culture’

The headquarters of the orchestra was opened about four months ago and there is an erbane department in the headquarters. “Our aim in teaching how to play musical instruments of Kurdish culture, especially the erbane, is to modernize Kurdish culture and preserve our art and culture,” said Cîhan Şanbaz. Speaking about the challenges faced by them, she said, “At the beginning, we faced challenges because we had insufficient musical instruments. Sometimes, we could not find the instruments we needed. But the Art and Culture Council supported us to overcome these challenges. The number of students increases in summer because schools are closed. Their number decreases in winter because schools are open. Currently, we have 42 students learning how to play the erbane. As the orchestra, we have performed in many festivals. I recommend all women to play at least one musical instrument.”

‘Erbane is popular among Kurdish people’

Fidan Bilal has been learning how to play the erbane and the violin at the erbane department. “I wanted to learn how to play the erbane because erbane is very popular among Kurdish people. I want to preserve Kurdish culture by playing the erbane. Many young women want to learn how to play the erbane because playing the erbane makes you feel good and it is a way to preserve Kurdish culture.”