Kurdische Kultur Woche - Dem Kurd Basel
This year, Culture Week will take place earlier than in previous years. Nevertheless, we have put together a diverse and exciting program – with special guests from the world of culture and media.
Opening – Wednesday, January 14, 2026, 6:00 p.m.
Rotinda, poet and writer, will present his book "Stories of the Children of the Sun and Fire" and perform some of his songs.
The women's collective Erbane will play various rhythms on the frame drum. Perhaps there will even be an opportunity to dance along to some of the rhythms.
Koma Ari, a band formed at Dem Kurd Basel, will play and sing Kurdish songs. These are perfect for the traditional Kurdish Govend dance and invite the audience to join in.
``` Thursday, January 15, 2026, 6:00 PM
Ayşegül Doğan (journalist, member of parliament, and spokesperson for the DEM party), Fehim Işık (journalist), and Adem Karacoban (journalist)
will report on the current political situation in Turkey and the status of the peace talks between Turkey and the Kurdish freedom movement. They will also analyze the impact of these developments on Rojava.
The discussion will be moderated by journalist Aslan Aslan.
* The discussion will be translated into German.
Friday, January 16, 2026, 6:00 PM – Film Screening
The film tells the story of Kemal, who dedicated his life to Kurdish theater and the political situation of the Kurdish language. Today, his situation is more difficult than it was 25 years ago. Therefore, he decides to bring together his actor friends, scattered across the globe, to revive their old play, "Rojbash."
As they weave their daily lives together with rehearsals and the script, grueling days begin for them, navigating between art, dreams, and reality.
Saturday, January 17, 2026, 6:30 p.m. – Stand-up
Özcan Ateş, a member of the Amed City Theatre (Diyarbakır), presents a stand-up performance that, through insightful and humorous anecdotes, reflects the experiences of people caught between urban and rural cultures. His performances are very popular.
Sunday, January 18, 2026, from 9:00 a.m.
To conclude the week of culture, we begin with a communal breakfast. Afterward, a photo gallery will be open for viewing.
At 11:30 a.m., a panel discussion on the Kurdish language will take place.
Participants:
Dîlber Hêma, poet
İrfan Babaoğlu, educator
Yaqub Tilermani, translator
Gernas Koçer, writer
*The panel discussions will be translated*
Greetings and best wishes✌
Demo: Hände weg von Ashrafieyh & Sheich Maksud
The attacks on the Kurdish self-governing districts of Aleppo, Sheikh Maksud, and Ashrafiyeh continue! Troops from the Islamist HTS government and proxies paid by Turkey are attempting to capture the districts. This is a direct showdown that will also determine the future of other parts of Rojava. The people of Ashrafiyeh and Sheikh Maksud are putting up resistance, and a civilian convoy with hundreds of people has set off from Rojava to support the neighborhoods. Let's show our support and solidarity on the streets!
Thursday, January 15, 6:30 p.m., Claraplatz
