Hozan Shiyar Farqini and the Difficulties of His Life

Kurdshop - Hozan Shiyar or Shiyar Farqini, whose real name is Jalal Sarkaya, was born in 1953 in the Farqin district of Amed, North part of Kurdistan. His father's name was Sharif and was a painter.

Kurdish artist Hozan Shiyar lost his father at the age of seven. After his father passed away, his mother lived with her four children. After a while, their mother found work in a factory in Farqin and thus took care of her children.

Hozan Shiyar helped her mother and worked while continuing his education. During his years at school, Hozan Shiyar's nice voice attracted the attention of teachers and students and he sang at school parties and activities. At the same time, revolutionary and patriotic movements were developing among the youth during those years. Shiyar participated in the activities, played a role in revolutionary activities, and spoke out against assimilation.

Hozan Shiyar married in 1973 and joined the army in 1975 as an employee in the Farqin military branch. In addition to his work, he also formed a band. He sang Kurdish songs with his band at weddings. These activities of Shiyar attracted the attention of the state. As a result, the state issued a decision against the Kurdish artist, and Hozan Shiyar was removed from government service.

In 1976-77, Hozan Shiyar devoted his life to music and the revolutionary movement.

During those years, he became a member of the Kawa Organization and actively participated in its activities. He recorded his first cassette in 1977. After the first cassette, Hozan Shiyar released five cassettes in a row between 1977 and 1980, despite all the difficulties and restrictions. In the 1980s, Hozan Shiyar's name and voice spread in Kurdistan cities. With his revolutionary songs, he called on the Kurdish people to be vigilant. Like most Kurdish intellectuals, politicians, and artists, Hozan Shiyar participated in the 1980 military coup. The state arrested Shyar and sentenced him to two years in prison. After several years in prison, he was released.

In 1984, he was arrested again for producing and distributing Kurdish cassettes and was released in 1986. Hozan Shiyar did not stop singing Kurdish songs despite all the difficulties and arrests. The state arrested him again and severely tortured him. In 1990, Shiyar reappeared with a new cassette. The new cassette was called "Shirini Mn" (My Sweetie), but the situation had become more serious. The hand of murder and unknown acts put Hozan Shiyar's name on their list and Shiyar could no longer leave his house. He stayed at home for four to five months and then secretly reached Istanbul. From there he joined the Mesopotamia Cultural Center and in 1992 went to Sweden.