Munzur Xenekiyene by Kardes Türküler

Munzur Xenekiyene is a song released by Kardes Türküler, a contemporary ethnic/folkloric band that was formed in Turkey in 1993. This song, sung in the Zazaki Kurdish dialect, is about the sacred Munzur River. The Munzur River flows in Dersim, a historic region in Northern-Kurdistan (Eastern-Turkey) that is home to Alevi Kurds. These Kurds are an especially patriotic people who have, since recorded history, resisted all invasions and injustices committed against them. The Zaza Kurds of Dersim are Alevi; their religion is similar to the Ahl-e Haqq faith. In these ancient Kurdish faiths, music and nature stand central in daily rituals. The Munzur Valley is extremely well preserved because the Alevi Kurds respect nature as part of their religious beliefs.

The people who live in the Munzur Valley are also something of a rare breed: ethnic Kurds in a majority-Turkish country, and Alevis surrounded by a majority Sunni Muslim population. The Alevi Kurds are only a majority in Dersim, where they form over 90% of the population. One of the most notable rebellions of the Alevi Kurds was the 1937-1938 uprising lead by Seyid Riza, a political and religious leader of the Zaza Kurds.

You can read more about the unique religion and history of this Kurdish community by visiting the websites linked below:

A website dedicated to the Munzur Valley and Alevi Kurds
The Alevis of the Munzur Valley

NYT article on the Munzur Valley and its Alevi Kurds
Finding Paradise in Turkey’s Munzur Valley: Deep in the rugged heart of eastern Anatolia, the resilient Alevi Kurds open their hearts and homes to a visitor.