The fourth edition of the Kurdish Culture Festival in France’s capital, Paris, began in front of the Ahmet Kaya Kurdish Cultural Center.

The opening speech was delivered by Azad Doğan, Co-Chair of the Democratic Kurdish Community Federation in France (FCDK-BF). Azad Doğan, who welcomed all participants joining to share in the excitement of the festival, also thanked everyone who contributed to organizing the event.

We will keep our culture and identity alive

Azad Doğan stated, “Our identity and culture, which have been subjected to genocide and assimilation by the system, are of vital importance to us. There is a saying, ‘Every tree grows on its own roots,’ and it is essential to emphasize the importance of culture and identity. For us Kurds, who are caught in the grip of cultural genocide, protecting our culture is a societal duty.”

Doğan noted that the festival, which began today, will conclude with a major concert on May 23. He said, “Until May 23, we will hold many events. We invite all our people to join the festival. To preserve our culture and identity, we must fully embrace this festival and ensure strong participation.”

Cultural demonstration in front of the 10th arrondissement municipality

Accompanied by Kurdish melodies played with drums, the crowd gathered in front of the Ahmet Kaya Kurdish Cultural Center and marched to the 10th Paris Municipality. There, the group was welcomed by Alexandra Cordebard, Mayor of the 10th arrondissement of Paris. In front of the municipality building, people danced to Kurdish music in traditional dresses. The program then continued inside the municipality as part of the festival schedule.

Alexandra Cordebard, Mayor of the 10th arrondissement of Paris, addressed the crowd by saying: “As the Municipality of the 10th arrondissement, I want you to know that we are proud to host this event here. This area is also known as ‘Little Kurdistan.’ Your presence here brings us great joy. I congratulate and support your festival. I also want to say that we view the decision by Kurdish People's Leader Abdullah Öcalan regarding democratization and disarmament as very brave and meaningful. We support Mr. Öcalan’s decision and sincerely hope that peace and democracy will be achieved.”

Attendees of the event at the municipality included Alexandra Cordebard, Mayor of the 10th arrondissement of Paris; Geneviève Gerigos, Member of the Paris Metropolitan Council; Elie Josseli, Member of the 10th Paris Municipal Council; François Bechieau, Member of the Paris Metropolitan Council and Deputy Mayor of the 19th arrondissement; Silvan Raifaud, Member of the 10th Paris Municipal Council; Zabbaou Liman, Member of the Reims Municipal Council; and Ümit Metin, Co-Chair of the Citizens’ Assembly of People from Turkey (ACORT).

The first day of the festival concluded with a performance of Kurdish music in the municipality hall.