In Kurdish culture, Çiya (mountain) represents more than a geographical place, it is a symbol of freedom, resistance, and harmony with nature. Historically, mountains have served as sanctuaries and shelters in times of war and state oppression. Above all, they are regarded as sacred spaces, and thus have become a central theme in Kurdish motifs.

 

The guerrilla group Awazê Çiya (Voice of the Mountains) evokes all of these meanings through its name. The group began gaining wider recognition in 2008. Their emergence challenged many perceptions; Kurdistan Worker’s Party (PKK) members, often associated solely with armed struggle, started to draw attention through artistic and cultural activities.

 

THEIR WORKS MADE A STRONG IMPACT

 

Those who insist on denying the Kurdish issue viewed them merely through their uniforms, labeling them as “PKK members to be eliminated.” Yet, others, unaware of who they were, found themselves moved, entertained, or saddened by their songs.

 

Through melodies about mountain life, freedom, and natüre, alongside reinterpreted traditional tunes from various Kurdish regions, the group has had a profound impact. By blending traditional and modern elements, they brought a fresh breath to Kurdish music.

 

FIVE ALBUMS AND DOZENS OF SONGS

 

Drawing inspiration from the Koma Mizgîn tradition, Awazê Çiya has released five albums since 2006, including the well-known Botan, Destana Me, and Dara Jiyanê. Over the years, they have introduced dozens of new songs to the public while also reinterpreting older ones. Their work has resonated widely across music platforms and social media.

 

THEY LOST FIVE MEMBERS

 

At least five members of the group have been killed during bombardments throughout the years of conflict. Most recently, on January 6, member Agir Serîhildan (Aram Merdanî) lost his life. The group continues its cultural and artistic activities today with at least 20 members.

 

ASPIRING TO LEAD A DEMOCRATIC SOCIETY

 

Having once been the “voice of the mountains” during times of conflict, the group now hopes to contribute to the building of a democratic society, should the ongoing Peace and Democratic Society Process succeed.

 

Speaking to us on the occasion of the PKK’s announcement at its 12th Congress that HPG and YJA-Star guerrillas have begun withdrawing to the “Media Defense Zones,” Delîl Demhat, one of the long-standing members of the group, shared his views. Known for his multi-instrumental skills, Demhat believes that the success of this process would benefit everyone and open up new opportunities for cultural and artistic expression.

 

Demhat expressed their wish as a group to hold a grand concert and celebration in Amed (Diyarbakır) with Abdullah Öcalan’s participation, saying, “Those days are not far away.”

 

‘FREEDOM IS ACHIEVED THROUGH RESISTANCE’

 

Demhat stated that they draw inspiration from the legacy of earlier groups and artists like Koma Berxwedan, emphasizing that they are “not the beginning.” Referring to Kurdish People’s Leader Abdullah Öcalan’s importance on cultural and artistic work, he said their songs resonate deeply with the public because of their themes.

 

Highlighting that both war and culture coexist in their lives, Demhat said: “War creates destruction, yes, but it also builds. Freedom can only be achieved through resistance. People are not in love with war; they fight out of necessity to create a free future.”

 

ARTISTIC WORK UNDER CONFLICT CONDITIONS

 

Demhat noted that certain powers in the Middle East strive to ignite wars and deepen divisions among peoples: “In such a reality, you can only gain or prove your freedom and existence through struggle.”

 

When asked about making art under such conditions, he said: “Creating art in wartime is difficult. In the mountains, climbing high is hard, but when you reach the summit, you see the beauty. That’s how it is, both difficult and beautiful. It gives meaning to beauty itself. You realize that life is not cheap. Despite the hardships, you gain so much, a new life, a new culture. What matters is why a war is being fought; conflict exists everywhere.”

 

Demhat pointed out that Kurds have long been denied and oppressed: “With Leader Apo (Öcalan), that changed. Kurds now struggle for identity, existence, and self-governance—for a free life. Art evolves accordingly. Drones hover over us 24 hours a day, yet we continue to create. Still, our work is hindered by these conditions. Sometimes we want to do more, but the situation doesn’t allow it.”

 

CRITICISMS OF AWAZÊ ÇIYA

 

Addressing criticisms of the group, Demhat said: “We are open to criticism, it helps us grow. Sometimes we are misunderstood or critiqued from a literary perspective. In some songs, certain emotions may not fully come through. Others say we don’t reflect the resistance in regions like Serhat, and that’s a fair point.”

 

‘WE MUST BASE ART ON COMMUNALITY’

 

Demhat also shared his thoughts on the broader Kurdish music scene: “New generations are emerging, and progress is visible, though not yet institutionalized. In Rojava, things are changing, organizations like Hunergeha Welat are doing good work, and people recognize that. However, individualism is spreading everywhere. When artists act individually, they detach from society and its truth. In Leader Öcalan’s manifesto, communality is essential. We lose because of individualism. The system glorifies it, and everyone falls under its influence. But this doesn’t benefit Kurdish music. We must base culture and art on communality.”

 

‘IF THE PROCESS ADVANCES, EVERYONE WINS’

 

Hopeful about the Peace and Democratic Society Process, Demhat said they are prepared for every scenario: “The movement has made many statements—we are ready for anything. Life in the guerrilla is the same; one must be ready for both war and peace. Some forces don’t want this process to succeed—they want war to continue. But if the process advances, opportunities will emerge for everyone. In such a case, nobody loses; everyone gains in their own field. Leader Apo opens this path—for politics, culture, and ecology. Think of it as untying a knot: once one thread loosens, others follow. We believe in this and are ready, though not everyone is—and that slows the process.”

 

Finally, Demhat shared Awazê Çiya’s greatest dream: “We base our work on Leader Apo’s physical freedom. When he is free, we want to hold a massive celebration and concert in Amed’s Sur district with the joyful participation of the people. I believe those days are not far away.”

 

MA / Azad Altay