The tradition of pipe playing, one of humanities oldest wind instruments, continues in Kurdistan. Piper Reber Söyler, who learnt his trade from the pipe masters of Diyarbakır (Amed) in Turkey, wants this tradition to continue.

Pipe playing is an ancient skill, as old as Diyarbakır’s Walls and the Ten-Eyed Bridge. Pipes are usually made from the Buxaceae trees which grow beside roses, fig and plum trees. They have one-hole above and seven holes at the bottom.

Pipes come in two versions; one with a mouthpiece and one without. Söyler began playing the pipe ten years ago and he performs his music in the unique lansdcape of Hevsel Gardens in Diyarbakır.

He plays intense melodies and tries to preserve a thousand year old tradition.