ZEYNEB ÎSA

Qamishlo (Qamishli)- Alma Murad, a resident of Qamishlo, a city in northeastern Syria, protects Kurdish culture and art through music although she is only 16 years old. She told NuJINHA how her musical journey started.

“When I was a sixth grade student, the Hîlala Zêrîn Culture and Art Center was opened in Qamishlo. Since I was interested in music, I started attending the activities organized by the center and taking guitar lessons at the center.”

Since then, Alma Murad has actively participated in the cultural activities organized by the center. “I wanted to learn how to play the guitar. At that time, no one was interested in playing the guitar. I encourage other women to play the guitar now.”

Alma Murad has performed in many festivals. “I have performed in many festivals, including children’s festivals. Now, I am a member of a musical group called Martyr Sakîne. As the group members, we appeared at the 2nd Martyr Berçem Festival held in Kobanê in September 2024. We also performed at the festival held in the city of Hasakah on November 27, 2024. I want to become a music teacher and open an art center in the future. I call on all young women to learn more about their culture and art and protect our art together.”