The Mezopotamya Cultural Centre (MKM), a prominent institution dedicated to Kurdish arts and cultural expression, opened its new venue in İstanbul’s Cihangir neighbourhood on Saturday as part of its 35th anniversary celebrations.
The opening drew a large crowd of artists, local residents and members of the pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party, with many participants wearing traditional dress and joining in Kurdish music and dance. The walls of the venue featured portraits of iconic Kurdish musicians including Aram Tigran and Eyşe Şan.
Founded in 1991, the MKM has long served as a cornerstone for Kurdish cultural life in Turkey, fostering artistic activities in music, theatre, cinema and literature. The centre’s continued presence in İstanbul symbolises resilience in the face of persistent state pressure, including the closing down of venues and bans on performances. In 2020, its former building in Tarlabaşı was reclaimed by the Beyoğlu Municipality, forcing the organisation to relocate.
“Art begins with truth,” said MKM performer Sakina Jir during the ceremony. “As MKM artists, we have always stood against these dirty policies, and we will continue to do so… As long as our people stand behind us, we will be stronger.”
MKM artist Engin Cengiz reflected on the centre’s legacy, invoking names of late cultural figures and activists such as Apê Musa and Hogir. “From the films, music and theatre of the oppressed and the hopeful, we say hello to you all… From the ancient Kurdish people of Mesopotamia, we greet the world with a belief in peace, hope and coexistence,” he said.
Despite the many challenges, the MKM has remained a critical space for preservation of minority and indigenous languages and cultures, not only of the Kurds, but also of the Laz, Hemshin, Georgian, Pontic Greek and Circassian peoples from the Black Sea region. The opening of the new venue reaffirms its role as a hub for cultural resistance and artistic solidarity.
The event concluded with a performance by the MKM Children’s Choir, to the accompaniment of applause and women ululating, a traditional cry of exultation known as zılgıt.
