Songs From Turkish Kurdistan "You Are My Eyes

Various Artists (Performer)

Product Details

• Audio CD (August 20, 2002)
• Original Release Date: August 20, 2002
• Number of Discs: 1
• ASIN: B00006JHTN
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #163,265 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
With the intention of providing a new and refreshing resource for people who wish to experience the strength and beauty of the distinct Kurdish culture in Southeast Turkey, we have published this new collection of audio recordings titled "Chavê Minî - You are my eyes: Songs from Turkish Kurdistan." This CD is primarily composed of field recordings collected in Turkish Kurdistan during the Summer of 2001 and is supplemented by archival recordings donated by Kurdish record companies in Istanbul. It includes 22 tracks (an approximately 60 minute running time) and a twenty-four page color booklet rich with liner notes and expressive photographs from the region, which provide a beautiful and honest reflection on the music, land, and people of present day Turkish Kurdistan. While the CD presents a selection of diverse musical styles (including various songs of mourning, political songs, and wedding songs), the bulk of the recordings highlight the distinct Kurdish tradition of the ‘Denbêj’ singers, or "Bards of Kurdistan," who have fulfilled their social role of collecting and reciting the history of the Kurdish people for centuries.

This CD bears witness to the beauty of the Kurdish people and supports and advocates their right to speak, sing, write, and learn in their own language and live freely in their land. We hope that our work will lend support to the undeniable distinct and unique nature of the Kurdish people and their culture.

All profits from this CD support the work of Cultural Cornerstones.

The mission of Cultural Cornerstones is to preserve and publish the ethnic traditions of at-risk cultures for use in education and advocacy worldwide. We use arts as a tool to give a voice to the unique beauty of under represented cultures and the struggles they are facing. Through our publications and advocacy campaigns, we aim to encourage awareness, activism, and compassion in the public consciousness to value and protect these people and their threatened traditions.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very tender charming music, March 22, 2005

By	Baroz "Baroz" (Baroz) - See all my reviews

Much recommended introduction to Kurdish music....Ignore the comment by the Turkish 'reviewer' who clearly isn't interested in the music but whose comment encapsulates the Turkish nationalistic view of Kurds in Turkey. Denial and a virule hatred of all things non-Turkish.