Pervin Kaplan

Pervin Kaplan My Journey

I am Pervin Kaplan, born on July 1, 2000, in Yüksekova, a small town in Turkey. My journey of self-discovery and growth began at an early age. My father played traditional Kurdish instruments, the tembur and bilur, while my mother sang. Some of my earliest memories are of them making music together, and this became a defining influence in my life.

I spent my early years in Yüksekova, completing my education there until the second grade of high school. However, driven by a desire for better educational opportunities, my family moved to the city of Van, where I completed my final two years of high school. During this transition, I discovered my passion for football, particularly as a goalkeeper. For two years, I was part of my school team, and football became more than just a sport for me—it was a way to maintain my mental well-being and develop discipline outside of academics. I valued the balance it brought to my life, seeing it as a hobby that helped me manage stress and stay focused on my goals. While in Van, I had the opportunity to meet Dengbêj Gazîn, who introduced me to dengbejî at a young age. She shared stories of history and the immense capacity of women, inspiring me to fully embrace the tradition of dengbejî. Her influence deeply shaped my understanding of music, storytelling, and the power of Kurdish heritage.

After high school, I pursued a bachelor’s degree in healthcare, studying in medical school. Through my studies, I came to understand that medicine is not just about healing the body—it is an art of healing in itself. This realization was deeply personal for me, as I found a powerful connection between medicine and Kurdish music. Both, in their own ways, are means of healing people. My time in medical school reinforced my belief that healing is not just physical; music, like medicine, has the ability to touch hearts, relieve pain, and bring comfort. I learned that I could help people in two ways—through medicine and through music. Spending three years in Istanbul for my studies also opened doors for me to dive deeper into music and connect with people who shared my passion. The musicians and artists I met supported me in my growth, inspiring me to improve and explore new possibilities.

Seeking even greater freedom in music, I decided to move to Europe. After relocating to Poland, I found myself in a place where the Kurdish community was small, and cultural events were rare. However, this challenge only strengthened my desire to bring Kurdish music and culture to the forefront. I saw music as a unifying force, and despite the difficulties in organizing events, I was determined to make a difference. My first concert took place in a picnic area with an audience of only about 30 people. But that small beginning did not stop me—the positive feedback I received motivated me to keep going. I began collaborating with organizations, offering presentations about Kurdish culture, daily life, and traditions. Each event ended with a performance, allowing me to share my music and voice with those eager to learn about my heritage.

My biggest inspiration and motivation come from my Kurdish background. My parents taught me how to be a strong Kurdish woman in a society where such strength is not always welcomed. I believe in the power of life that only women can bring into the world and the resilience they carry to achieve what seems impossible. This foundation, along with the influence of my friends—many of whom are women fighting for human rights and Kurdish women’s rights—has been a guiding force in my journey. My efforts have allowed me to extend my voice beyond Poland, reaching people worldwide who are interested in Kurdish culture. Although I see myself as just beginning, I am more creative than ever and determined to continue making music and spreading Kurdish culture across the globe.