ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - A Kurdish artist has opened a music classroom for women in Mahabad, a western Iranian city with a predominantly Kurdish population, aiming to empower women affected by unemployment and prolonged confinement at home.
The class is organized by Trifa Amiri, head of the Mahabad Harmony Music School, who says the initiative goes beyond music education.
“We tried to bring mothers and sisters here instead of having them sit at home with unused free time,” Amiri said. “We have organized a beautiful workshop, but our goal is much bigger than the workshop itself. We want to involve women from across the Mukryan region and encourage them to join us.”
Alongside formal music education, the school introduces participants to Kurdish musical heritage, history, authenticity, and traditional Kurdish clothing. The classroom operates under the name Music Note Workshop.
“I would like to express my gratitude to the Music Note Workshop and its organizer, Trifa Amiri, for giving us this opportunity,” said Maryam Jawan, a participant. “It has even encouraged us to teach our children Kurdish songs at home and sing them together.”
Amiri hopes to expand the initiative to other Kurdish cities and is currently in the process of opening a similar classroom in Bokan.
“I am very pleased to have taken part in this workshop,” said another participant, Afsana Yabq. “Here, we are taught how to read musical notes and sing Kurdish folk songs. We also learn about music ethics.”
There are several Kurdish music schools in Iranian Kurdish region (Rojhelat) that focus on preserving original Kurdish music, with men, women, and children all participating.
However, Iranian authorities frequently crack down on public musical performances, particularly those involving women singing or playing instruments, which are prohibited under Islamic law. Instruments are often confiscated, and performers are accused of undermining Islamic values.
Street artists regularly perform under pressure and fear of repercussions. Even government-approved concerts are held under strict conditions and have, at times, been abruptly shut down. In several cases, authorities have revoked performance permits, which fall under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance.