HELEN EHMED 

Sulaymaniyah – In the face of attempts by occupying states to erase Kurdish identity, young generations continue their efforts to revive Kurdish heritage through art.

 

Women across the four parts of Kurdistan play a pivotal role in preserving Kurdish identity and culture, using their artistic work to educate younger generations and keep the culture alive, despite the challenges women face in the workforce.

 

As part of these efforts, Eman Yousif, founder of the “Shamaran” brand, has been working with her sister for the past two years at the Culture House workshop in Sulaymaniyah, Kurdistan Region, creating wax sculptures representing prominent Kurdish figures from across Kurdistan.

 

Eman and her sister also aim to introduce younger generations to notable Kurdish personalities through their art, while organizing training courses for children to teach them Kurdish culture and the craft of sculpture.

 

Natural, safe wax sculptures

Eman Yousif, founder of “Shamaran,” said she and her sister work to revive Kurdish culture through decorative art and wax sculptures representing prominent Kurdish figures: “We have been making the sculptures for two years, aiming to fill homes with Kurdish identity, featuring figures like Mestûre Erdelanî, Şêrko Bêkes, Ahmet Kaya, Nalî, and Hesen Zîrek.”

 

She noted that the project began with a training course for her and her sister, but the materials they initially used were harmful, prompting them to create high-quality wax themselves. The materials they use now are entirely natural, free of petroleum derivatives, and safe for both the environment and those around them.

 

The project started in a cultural workshop in Sulaymaniyah, where they began marketing their products. The workshop receives daily visitors, and her sister paints alongside making sculptures. They also organize training courses for children and youth to teach them the craft and help them explore future job opportunities.

 

Challenges

Despite the difficulty in obtaining high-quality materials, they continue to work using a variety of molds, some commercial and some custom-made in collaboration with local artists.

 

The project faced rejection from some community groups due to religious perceptions of sculptures, but Eman and her sister have overcome many obstacles since the beginning. They create sculptures using wax sheets, available in multiple types, including scented wax, individual sheets, and “Gelwax” exclusive to Shamaran. Customers can also request special ceramic versions.

 

Uniting efforts to preserve Kurdish culture

Eman Yousif highlighted the importance of collaboration among women in the cultural workshop, where they work harmoniously to revive Kurdish heritage: “One colleague designs the ceramic molds, while we create the wax sculptures. Through this teamwork, we bring our Kurdish culture back to life.”

 

In conclusion, she urged women to use their work to preserve Kurdish identity and pursue projects that fulfill their goals, encouraging them to strive for employment opportunities and a clearer path toward a better future.