Short Answer
This encyclopedia entry surveys the contemporary methods used to digitally preserve Yazidi hymns (qewl), focusing on the technical, collaborative, and cultural dimensions of the ongoing archiving initiatives.
In Yazidi tradition, a hymn—known in Kurmanji as qewl (plural qewlên)—is a liturgical song that conveys theological doctrine, mythic history, and moral instruction; it is performed a cappella or with traditional instruments and transmitted orally across generations.
| Key | Value |
|---|---|
| Kurmanji name | qewl / qewlên |
| Also written | qowl, Qowl |
| Category | Liturgical hymn, oral poem |
| Region | Sinjar, Sheikhan, diaspora (Iraq, Syria, Turkey, Caucasus) |
| Observed/Active | Continuously performed in religious ceremonies and diaspora gatherings |
| Primary sources | Oral transmission, field recordings, AMAR digital archive |
Pronunciation & orthography
The term is spelled qewl in the Latin‑based Kurmanji alphabet, قەول in Arabic script, and кевл in Cyrillic‑based Kurdish orthographies. IPA transcription: /qɛwl/. Common English misspellings include “kewl” and “qowl”.
Main exposition
Field recording techniques
Since 2019, AMAR International Charitable Foundation has deployed high‑resolution portable recorders (24‑bit/96 kHz) to capture hymns in both IDP camps and rural villages (2). Recordings are made in situ to preserve ambient acoustics that are integral to the performance practice.
Digital audio formats and metadata
Captured files are stored in uncompressed WAV for archival integrity and converted to lossless FLAC for distribution. Metadata follows the International Association of Sound and Audiovisual Archives (IASA) standard, encoding title, performer, location, date, and oral‑transmission lineage (2).
Cloud storage and redundancy
Audio assets are uploaded to a secure cloud platform that implements geographically distributed redundancy and regular checksum verification. This strategy guards against data loss caused by hardware failure or cyber‑threats (2).
Collaborative archival platforms
The Bodleian Library at the University of Oxford hosts a mirrored repository, providing scholarly access and long‑term preservation under the UK National Archives’ guidelines (2). A public‑facing portal, funded by the British Council Cultural Protection Fund, offers streamed excerpts and downloadable metadata under a Creative Commons licence (1).
Preservation policies and access
All recordings are subject to a preservation policy that includes format migration (WAV → FLAC → MP3 for outreach), periodic integrity audits, and community‑controlled rights management, ensuring that Yazidi custodians retain authority over use (1).
In the oral tradition
The qewl corpus comprises thousands of verses grouped into thematic cycles—creation, redemption, and moral law. These verses are memorized by specialist singers (qewl‑bêj) and are rarely notated, which makes audio capture essential for scholarly analysis.
“The qewl are the soul of Yazidi worship, carrying theological meaning that cannot be fully expressed in written form.” – Khanna Omarkhali (3)
Scholarly disagreement
Emîna Kreyenbroek argues that digital transcription, when paired with spectrographic analysis, can faithfully reproduce melodic nuances without compromising oral authenticity. Conversely, Dr. A. Açıkyıldız contends that any fixed notation inevitably abstracts the performative context, suggesting that preservation should prioritize audio over notation (3).
Common misconceptions
Regional variation
In Sinjar, qewl are often accompanied by the tembûr, while Sheikhan singers favour a cappella delivery. Syrian Yazidi communities incorporate Arabic maqam influences, whereas the diaspora in Europe blends Western harmonic accompaniment. These variations are documented in separate sub‑collections within the AMAR repository (2).
Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 2014 | ISIS attacks devastate Yazidi cultural sites and kill numerous musicians (1) |
| October 2019 | Project “Recording, Protecting and Sharing Yazidi Musical Culture” officially launched (2) |
| 2020 | First systematic field recordings conducted in IDP camps (2) |
| 2022 | Partnership with the Bodleian Library formalized, providing a scholarly mirror archive (2) |
| 2024 | Public digital portal released, offering open‑access streaming of over 1,000 qewl recordings (1) |
Data table
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Funding received | £250,9551 |
| Project commencement | 10/20192 |
| Partner institutions | Yazidi Spiritual Council, Bodleian Library, British Council Cultural Protection Fund2 |
FAQ
How does the AMAR project ensure the authenticity of recorded qewl?
Recordings are made by recognized qewl‑bêj in their native environments, accompanied by metadata that documents the performer’s lineage and the ritual context, preserving both musical and cultural authenticity.
Are the digital archives publicly accessible?
Yes. A Creative Commons‑licensed portal provides streaming access to most recordings, while the full‑resolution files are restricted to scholarly use and community members, respecting the Yazidi Spiritual Council’s consent protocols.
What technical standards are applied to guarantee long‑term preservation?
The project follows IASA‑TS‑V2 metadata guidelines, stores audio in uncompressed WAV, performs regular checksum verification, and employs geographically distributed cloud backups with scheduled format migration.
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