Culture
Burhan Qaradaxi and Tava Burhan two kurdoish artists during an interview with Rudaw. File photo: screengrab/ Rudaw
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ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - A Kurdish musician in Germany sings in five languages, embracing global influences while remaining deeply committed to her Kurdish roots, drawing inspiration from the heritage passed down by her artistic family.
“What is closest to my soul is the piano and the saz [Kurdish string instrument]. First, the saz, because I am now far from Kurdistan, and I want to preserve Kurdish and Kurdistan in my heart and continue with Kurdish songs and Kurdish music, to preserve it in my heart and showcase it. Our culture is very important for me to show to other cultures,” Tave Burhan said during an interview that aired on Rudaw’s Diaspora program on Friday.
Her first experiences on the stage were in childhood, performing at school and later at the French Institute in Sulaimani - moments that led her parents to recognize her gift for singing. Her father is writer and actor Burhan Qaradaxi.
Now living in Hanover, Germany, Burhan is committed to preserving her roots and promoting Kurdish culture while studying Western art.
“When I came here, I considered it a very good opportunity to learn from the culture here as well - opera, I specifically studied opera for three years, jazz and pop. It's true that we must preserve our own culture, but it's also good as an artist to practice all kinds of art so that you understand and know about other art forms. It's good to know about everything in your art and preserve it, your own culture, and then you can later mix it with other cultures,” she said.
Her proud father said she is also a skilled actor and writes poetry.
“Tave has another talent that she hasn't revealed. She also has a poetry book in English that will soon be ready and published,” he said.
Qaradaxi said it is his duty to support his daughter’s art, not just for her personal expression, but the pain and resilience of an entire nation.
“Her voice is not just for me. It's the voice of a nation, the voice of a nation's pain, the voice of Anfal, the voice of chemical bombings, the voice of a nation full of tragedy. Therefore, I need to defend Tave and ensure she develops properly and support her,” he said.
“What is closest to my soul is the piano and the saz [Kurdish string instrument]. First, the saz, because I am now far from Kurdistan, and I want to preserve Kurdish and Kurdistan in my heart and continue with Kurdish songs and Kurdish music, to preserve it in my heart and showcase it. Our culture is very important for me to show to other cultures,” Tave Burhan said during an interview that aired on Rudaw’s Diaspora program on Friday.
Her first experiences on the stage were in childhood, performing at school and later at the French Institute in Sulaimani - moments that led her parents to recognize her gift for singing. Her father is writer and actor Burhan Qaradaxi.
Now living in Hanover, Germany, Burhan is committed to preserving her roots and promoting Kurdish culture while studying Western art.
“When I came here, I considered it a very good opportunity to learn from the culture here as well - opera, I specifically studied opera for three years, jazz and pop. It's true that we must preserve our own culture, but it's also good as an artist to practice all kinds of art so that you understand and know about other art forms. It's good to know about everything in your art and preserve it, your own culture, and then you can later mix it with other cultures,” she said.
Her proud father said she is also a skilled actor and writes poetry.
“Tave has another talent that she hasn't revealed. She also has a poetry book in English that will soon be ready and published,” he said.
Qaradaxi said it is his duty to support his daughter’s art, not just for her personal expression, but the pain and resilience of an entire nation.
“Her voice is not just for me. It's the voice of a nation, the voice of a nation's pain, the voice of Anfal, the voice of chemical bombings, the voice of a nation full of tragedy. Therefore, I need to defend Tave and ensure she develops properly and support her,” he said.
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