Armenia, a landlocked country in the Middle East, is home to the Armenian people. Due to its unique culture and religious background, the country has had a long history of persecution and survival. It has nevertheless produced artists who have contributed to the survival of their artistic background. From the time of Sayat Nova to 20th-century philosophers, their stand and take on the world with regard to music, poetry, science, politics, religion, and thinking was evident.

Much like the Yazidi-Kurdish Writer Casime Celil, who managed to flee persecution and genocide and found shelter in Armenia, Armenians also have a long history of protecting and safeguarding Kurdish art and works.

In music, the traditional style of Dengbêj (often times translated into sound-teller but commonly understood as a storyteller) had the enormous contribution of Karapetê Xaço. Born in the Ottoman Empire, he would go on to survive the aftermath of the Armenian Genocide and would live amongst the Kurdish population to slowly acquire the traditional and tonal style that has shaped the genre of storytelling.

Another artist who found popularity to this day might be Aram Tigran.  Being an Armenian born in Syria, Tigran would find interest in the Oud instrument at an early age and would give public concerts at Newroz events. His most popular songs include Ay Dilbere, Lo Lo Pismamo, and Penaber.

In 1926, the Soviet Armenian Filmmaker Hamo Beknazarian directed his silent feature film Zare. Although soviet in production and Armenian in its making, the film is centered around a Kurdish story that takes place in the traditional areas of Kurdistan with the main characters being of Kurdish origins.

By: Birhat Atrushi