On the 27th anniversary of the death of Kurdish musician Hozan Serhad (Süleyman Alpdoğan), the European Federation of the Kurdish Arts and Culture Movement (TEV-ÇAND) issued a statement honoring his life and legacy. In a statement on Wednesday, the organization described Hozan Serhad as a symbol of resistance against assimilation policies directed at Kurdish society and praised his artistic legacy as one that continues to shape the Kurdish music and cultural movement to this day.
From child star to artist of cultural resistance
TEV-ÇAND paid tribute to Hozan Serhad and all cultural workers who lost their lives in the Kurdistan freedom struggle. The organization placed Hozan Serhad’s life story within the context of the intensified assimilation policies imposed on the Kurdish population following the military coup of September 12, 1980. TEV-ÇAND recalled that children and young people were systematically alienated from their language, identity, and society through culture, sports, and the arts during this period.
Hozan Serhad grew up under these conditions. As a child, he initially performed under the Turkish name “Murat Esen” and released an album using that name. Later, he consciously chose the name Serhad—a decision that TEV-ÇAND describes as a break from assimilation policies and a return to his own identity.
“The struggle for freedom proved stronger than assimilation. The young Süleyman became Serhad.”
Killed by the Turkish army
While studying at the conservatory in İzmir, Hozan Serhad encountered the Kurdish freedom movement in the early 1990s. Shortly afterward, he joined the movement together with his wife, Yıldız. After carrying out cultural work in the Middle East and Europe, he returned to Kurdistan in 1996. He initially continued his artistic activities in the cities before later rejoining the guerrilla forces in the mountains.
On July 22, 1999, he was wounded during an ambush in Botan and fell into the hands of Turkish soldiers. He was shot and thrown from a helicopter. His remains have never been found.
Music as an expression of identity and freedom
TEV-ÇAND pointed out that Hozan Serhad represents a generation of Kurdish artists who viewed music not only as a cultural expression but also as an essential part of the struggle against assimilation: “He developed a distinctive musical style that combined traditional Kurdish sounds with a commitment to preserving language, history, and identity. His influence extends far beyond his own artistic work.”
His legacy continues to inspire
“With his unique style, Hozan Serhad became a school of the saz in his own right. Hundreds of Kurdish young people became students of his art, even though many never had the chance to meet him personally.”
TEV-ÇAND emphasized that Hozan Serhad’s cultural legacy remains alive today, saying: “His life demonstrates that assimilation policies can be overcome not only politically but also culturally. Art has the power to preserve identity, strengthen collective memory, and sustain social resistance.”
The organization concluded its statement by reaffirming its belief that the legacy of Hozan Serhad, along with all artists who lost their lives in the cultural struggle for freedom, will continue to inspire the pursuit of a democratic and free society.
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