ERBIL – A unique cultural event brought together the folkloric traditions of Kurdistan and France in a vibrant evening of music and dance on Thursday. Held at the Event Box hall in Erbil, the performance titled “Kurdish and Breton Dance Fusion” celebrated the artistic connection between Kurdish folk heritage and the Celtic-inspired traditions of France’s Brittany region.
Organized by the French Institute in Erbil, the event featured a collaboration between three artists from France and three emerging performers from the Kurdistan Region. The fusion performance showcased the shared rhythms and movement styles found in both cultural traditions, highlighting deep-rooted connections between the two communities.
Dashti Omar, head of the French Institute’s cultural department in Erbil, noted that the event was inspired by the unexpected similarities between Kurdish and Breton dance styles. These traditions, though born in different corners of the world, share a strong communal spirit and rich historical background.
France’s Consul General to Erbil, Yann Braem, was among those in attendance, underscoring the continued cultural ties between France and the Kurdistan Region.
Since its establishment in 2009, the French Institute in Erbil has served as a hub for cultural exchange, offering language courses and hosting events that foster mutual understanding. The concert further reflected the long-standing relationship between France and the Kurdish people—a connection that has grown stronger through diplomatic, cultural, and security cooperation over the past two decades.
