Bijan Kamkar Donates His Traditional Kurdish Garment to the Artists’ Donation Collection

Donation of Bijan Kamkar’s Traditional Mers Garment to the Artists’ Donation Collection
According to the Public Relations Office of the 4th Independent Sun Film Festival, Bijan Kamkar—Iranian singer, daf and rabab player, and a member of the Kamkars Ensemble—donated his traditional Mers garment in support of the Artists’ Donation Collection, an initiative aimed at supporting independent filmmakers.
In a note accompanying the donation, the artist wrote:
“Dear and valued friends and supporters,
Greetings.
The Kurdish garments that, thanks to your kind cooperation, were acquired in support of artistic endeavors were tailored for us twenty years ago during the Kamkars Ensemble’s trip to Iraqi Kurdistan. They were made by Osman Ali, the renowned Kurdish singer from Iraqi Kurdistan, who also worked as a tailor. The garments were presented to us as a keepsake from both him and the Kurd Sat television network.
These outfits were worn as the Kamkars Ensemble’s uniform during several concerts, including the Nobel Peace Concert, tours across the United States and Europe, performances in Iraqi Kurdistan, and appearances on Kurd Sat and Kurdistan TV. I personally wore this garment, and now, as a gesture of gratitude and solidarity, I am pleased to pass it on to you, dear friends.”
The garment is called a Mers, a handmade traditional piece crafted from the rare white wool of goats.
As part of its efforts to support independent Iranian filmmakers and help revive the production and international distribution cycle of valuable short and documentary films, the Independent Short Film Support Platform has established the Artists’ Donation Collection. The initiative has been warmly welcomed by the artistic community.