تخته سیاه

With an introduction by Afsun Moshiry and an overture by Miedya Mahmod

The Kurdish narrative and origins do not need to be associated with any particular era, as they have always been indigenous inhabitants of their territory, which encompasses the Zagros Mountains across Turkey, Iraq, and Iran. Today, Kurdish communities live in southeastern Turkey, northwestern Iran, northern Iraq, and northern Syria.

Recognizing that the Kurdish identity is distinct is crucial. Nation-states often falsely claim to be homogeneous, marginalizing and oppressing Kurds within their territories. Their language is often stifled, and their culture is largely ignored. In the manner of preservation of their language, the spoken word overture by Miedya Mahmoud gives a diasporic look into the generational dialogue and continuous resistance of the biggest ethnic group without its state. Blackboards by Samira Makhbalbaf completes the program, which offers an outsider, romantic perspective on the life of Kurdish nomads at the Iran, Iraq border. (AM)

Miedya Mahmod is a poet and performer. They are involved with the spoken-word group Netzwerk Lyrik and the post-German artist collective Parallelgesellschaft.