Photo by: Nasih Ali Khayat

Cultural and artistic festivals are more than mere occasions for joy; they are living expressions of identity and continuity.

The Thousand Daf (Kurdish Tambourine) Festival, is held annually in the picturesque village of Palangan in the Hawraman area of East Kurdistan.

The inaugural Thousand Daf Festival took place on April 20, 2020, and quickly became one of the region’s most anticipated cultural events. The name “Thousand Dafs” was inspired by the vision of a thousand drummers playing in unison.

The festival is meticulously organized by the village council. A week before the event, formal invitations are sent out to Daf players both inside and outside of the region.

A strict yet colorful dress code also applies; all participants wear traditional Kurdish clothing, showcasing styles from across Kurdistan.

One day before the event, song rhythms are shared with all participants for rehearsals.

On the morning of April 20, the festival begins at 10:00 am. As the sun rises over Palangan, Daf players – men and women, young and old – take their places.