Sanandaj, with a population of around 500,000 inhabitants, is the second largest Kurdish city in Iran, and was proudly home to some of the most famous Kurdish musicians in Iran: Kamkar, Baba-Shahabi, Yousef Zamani and Farajpoori to name but a few. At the heart of the city’s musical heritage is the musical instrument the ‘Daf’, which has been nationally registered, and has expanded in modern music through innovative techniques, while preserving its traditional soul. Dedicated to the preservation of Kurdish music, there are currently 25 active music Institutions, 30 active music groups and 12 musical instrument manufacturers in Sanandaj.
For Sanandaj, the celebration of its musical heritage is showcased in several major music festivals, including the Fajr Music Festival which unites musicians with a passion for Persian traditional and modern music, whilst the International Daf Festival draws on Daf players from all over the world to honour this unique percussion instrument.
