‘Leitrim is my paradise’: Local-based Syrian musician’s hope for Syria and beyond

Syria has endured a devastating civil war for 13 years, making it one of the most significant displacement crises in modern history. Over 7.2 million Syrians are internally displaced, and 6.2 million have sought refuge abroad.

Within the EU, nearly 1.3 million Syrian refugees have been granted international protection, with approximately 3,000 resettled in Ireland.

A turning point came for the country on December 8, with the collapse of President Bashar al-Assad’s regime as rebel forces took control of Damascus. Since the dramatic shift, many Syrians have begun reuniting with loved ones who had been imprisoned for years, and a renewed sense of hope is emerging for the country’s future.

However, uncertainty remains as the world watches closely, waiting to see how Syria’s future unfolds.

Closer to home, Mohammed Saifkhan, a Kurdish-Syrian musician and singer, fled Raqqa in late 2016 before resettling in Carrick-on-Shannon. A father of five, Mohammed endured the heartbreaking loss of one of his sons, who was killed by the Islamic State.

In light of recent developments in Syria, Mohammed feels cautiously optimistic about his country’s future. He remains measured, acknowledging it will take some time to see how events will unfold.

“The recent developments are good for all Syrians, but we must wait to see if democracy will be implemented and if every group in Syria will get its rights and if there will be no discrimination between one group and another or one sect and another. 

“No one can express his opinion now. After several months, we can see if there will be a change or not,” Mohammed said.

Mohammed trained as a surgical nurse in Aleppo, where he began playing music. He plays the bouzouki, a traditional folk instrument.

He formed a band called the Spring Band, which performed weddings, festivals and other celebrations. In 1986, he recorded his first cassette.

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In Ireland, Mohammed continued to share his music, playing to Irish audiences during Christmas of 2017. Earlier this year, he released his debut album ‘I Am Kurdish.’

Reflecting on introducing his music to Irish audiences, he shared: “The audience was happy and I am happy for their happiness. They are wonderful people who were very welcoming to us. I am very happy because I see a permanent smile on their faces.”

For now, Mohammed doesn’t know if he will return to Syria.

“I cannot judge now whether I will return or not if the past in Syria returns to the future. It is not just me, but no one wants to return.

“I hope that peace will prevail not only in Syria but in the whole world. Love, peace and tolerance must be the solution in the whole world,” he added.

Mohammed feels a deep cultural connection between Kurdish and Irish traditions, saying, “I feel that there is something in common between my Kurdish culture and the culture in Ireland. I feel something like a commonality between us.” 

Looking ahead, Mohammed expressed a hopeful vision for mixing the two traditions: “I will try to introduce the Kurdish bouzouki into Irish music. I think after a while the bouzouki will be part of Irish music, like the concertina.”

He is deeply grateful for the welcome he has found here in Leitrim, after escaping the devastation of war.

“Ireland is a wonderful country and Leitrim is my paradise. I live in it and its people are my brothers and friends. I love them all and wish them love and happiness.”

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