Artist Ayşe Karacadağ is bringing to life the tale of Pirawok, a mythical figure deeply rooted in the folklore of Mesopotamia and Kurdish culture. Karacadağ, who recently held her fifth exhibition “Embroideries of History”, believes that it is crucial to pass down this rich cultural heritage to future generations.
According to Karacadağ, the legend of Pirawok is a horror story that has been passed down through oral tradition in Kurdish folklore. She finds a strong resemblance between the mythical elements associated with Pirawok and the Kurdish woman. “Although Pirawok is often portrayed with demonic traits, I see her as a representation of female energy and identity in Kurdish culture,” says Karacadağ, speaking to Evrensel daily on Monday.
The artist has been travelling to towns and villages, collecting stories from women to incorporate into her artwork. She plans to compile these tales into a book, focusing on Pirawok among other mythical beings like Lilith, Lamas, Pazuzu and Asaku. “There are many unexplored aspects of Kurdish culture, and I aim to delve into them,” she adds.
Karacadağ also emphasises the importance of women as the primary creators in society. “Whether it’s Şahmeran, Pirawok or the milkmaids in the mountains, these figures deserve to be recorded. I may not be a writer, but I feel compelled to write,” she states.
The artist believes that her mission is not just to depict these stories through her art but also to document them for future generations. “The new generation is unaware of these tales. It’s our collective responsibility to pass this heritage forward,” concludes Karacadağ.
