Chenar Nizar's 2.45m tribute

Sulaymaniyah sculptor creates statue to honor Kurdish music icon Hasan Zirak

2024-09-24 | 13:08

SULAYMANIYAH — Sculptor Chenar Nizar is immortalizing the legacy of renowned Kurdish singer Hasan Zirak through a 2.45-meter-tall statue, marking a tribute to one of the most influential figures in Kurdish music. Nizar, who has spent months carefully designing and modeling the statue, is now entering the final stages of its completion.

“It was challenging to capture the intricate details of Zirak’s facial features,” Nizar told 964media. “But after studying many photographs and sketches, I believe I’ve captured the essence of his face.”

Several individuals who knew Zirak personally have visited Nizar’s studio to provide feedback. They praised the statue’s likeness, noting that it captures both the facial details and overall appearance of the late singer.

Hasan Zirak, born in 1921 in Bukan, Iran, rose from humble beginnings to become a towering figure in Kurdish music. Orphaned at a young age, he discovered his musical talent at 13 and quickly gained prominence. Over 1,000 of his songs remain today, and his music continues to resonate with audiences across Kurdistan. Zirak passed away in 1972, but his music remains widely celebrated.

Nizar mentioned that the final phase of the statue’s creation will begin soon, with two potential locations identified for its installation. “I’ve long dreamed of contributing something meaningful, and this project for Hasan Zirak is one of those. I hope we find a fitting location for the statue,” he said.

The project is being overseen by Dr. Taha Rasool, a Sulaymaniyah-based patron known for supporting artistic and cultural endeavors. The statue is expected to be unveiled in a formal ceremony in the near future.

Chenar Nizar is a well-known Kurdish sculptor based in Sulaymaniyah, having crafted statues for several prominent Kurdish figures, including Dilshad Mariwani, Sherko Bekas, Piramerd, and Bachtyar Ali.

Zirak’s influence on Kurdish music is undeniable. His songs, which often explore themes of Kurdish nature, the beauty of women, love, and social life, are regularly played at national events and gatherings across Kurdistan. Unlike many Kurdish singers known for melancholic melodies, Zirak’s songs frequently convey joy and celebration, making them popular at social events. His focus on physical and worldly love, as opposed to the spiritual themes common in Kurdish mystical traditions, has led some to regard Hasan Zirak as the first and greatest erotic singer in Kurdish music.

Despite the hardships he faced throughout his life, Hasan Zirak’s contributions to Kurdish music remain a significant part of the region’s cultural heritage. The upcoming statue in Sulaymaniyah will serve as a lasting tribute to his enduring impact on Kurdish society.