Ibrahim Ali in the room of his house dedicated to preserving over 8,000 cassettes. (Photo: 964media)
Lifelong effort
‘For the rest of my life’: Kurdish music enthusiast preserves thousands of vintage cassette tapes
HALABJA – For more than four decades, Ibrahim Ali—known locally as Ibrahim Khurmalay—has devoted his life to collecting cassette tapes by Kurdish artists from across the wider region. Now 55, he began his pursuit at age eight and has accumulated over 8,000 tapes, some nearly 70 years old.
“From a young age, I was passionate about collecting and preserving the cassette tapes of Kurdish artists,” he told 964media. He recalled buying his first tape as a primary school student. “There were times when I would save my entire weekly allowance just to buy a cassette,” he said.
Khurmalay primarily focuses on preserving recordings by 20th century Kurdish singers, especially those who have passed away. His archive includes cassettes by Hasan Zirak, a legend of Kurdish music. “My archive is unique in the region,” he said. “Whenever I learn of an old cassette, I either buy or acquire it to ensure it doesn’t get lost.”
In addition to tapes, he has collected vintage recording equipment and radios, some dating back decades. He also occasionally records songs for his own enjoyment, keeping every recording he has ever made. “During my younger years, when I gathered with friends, I always had a recording device with me. We would sing for ourselves and record it. I still have those recordings and have preserved all of them. Even during my military service, I carried a recording device with me because this is my passion, and it will remain with me for the rest of my life,” he concluded.