Reviving Kurdish folklore
Ranya commemorates 1991 uprising with festival at Raperin University
RANYA — In a collaborative effort, Raperin University and A Home for Youth organized a colorful celebration filled with traditional events to mark the 33rd anniversary of the Uprising that began in Ranya on March 5, 1991.
Students from various private schools, colleges, and departments within Raperin University participated in the festival, showcasing a diverse array of activities including scientific innovations, handicraft exhibitions, and culinary displays.
Pavel Salih, a student who took part, shared with 964media, “We’re excited to celebrate the anniversary of the Uprising. I start by honoring the martyrs’ pure souls on this sacred day.”
“As has been the tradition in past years, Raperin University played an active role in the festival, introducing a mix of activities and folk elements that bring to mind Kurdish traditions. Even though these traditions are dwindling, we are determined to revive them. The activities, organized by university students, included book displays, paintings, flowers, traditional Kurdish instruments, and various items of folklore,” he added.
Diya Irfan, another participant, told 964media, “We extend our congratulations on the anniversary of the Uprising to everyone in the Raperin region and across Kurdistan. The festival highlighted a wide range of ideas from both university students and the public.”
The Raperin festival, held annually on March 5, honors the memory of the uprising and consistently attracts a large turnout from the local community.
The 1991 Uprising first ignited in the city of Ranya, which is why the area is named “Raperin” (uprising).
Geographically located in the northeastern part of the Kurdistan Region, the Raperin Administration encompasses the districts of Ranya, Pshdar, and Qaladze, along with eight sub-district, home to a population exceeding 400,000.