Launch of the “Hora” Festival in Iranian Kurdistan

ARK News.. The town of Kozaran, located in the northwestern part of Kermanshah Province in Iranian Kurdistan, witnessed the launch of the “Hora” Festival, with wide participation from artists and enthusiasts of this authentic traditional art.

The festival saw a remarkable presence of numerous Hora performers—both men and women—who traveled from the provinces of Ilam, Kermanshah, Sanandaj, and Lorestan to take part in celebrating this tradition. The event highlighted the Hora vocal art, which has deep roots in the history and culture of the region.

According to historical studies, the Hora tradition dates back more than 7,000 years and is primarily practiced in the regions of Kermanshah, Ilam, and Lorestan, as well as the Garmiyan area in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.

Kozaran is predominantly inhabited by followers of the Yarsani faith, who regard this style of singing as an integral part of their cultural and religious identity.

Hora is a vocal art performed solo, without the accompaniment of musical instruments. Performers rely solely on their vocal abilities, expressing emotion through controlled vocal techniques and melodic ornamentation. This art form includes more than 70 musical modes, such as Saru Khani, Sahri, and Majnuni, among others. However, the lack of academic and institutional documentation has led to the loss of some of these modes over time.

Stylistically, Hora intersects with other Kurdish musical genres such as Mor, Bilura, and Syajmana. Its lyrics commonly explore themes of religion, love of homeland, romance, and sorrow.

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