Reşmall: The Kurdish Culture Podcast

Reşmall Team

Welcome to Reşmall, the Kurdish Culture Podcast. Our goal in this podcast is to explore, understand, and share Kurdish culture for the benefit of Kurds and non-Kurds alike. In each episode, we focus on a different aspect of Kurdish culture and how it affects everyday life. Like every culture, Kurdish culture is diverse and always changing. Our hope is to explore both the historic traditions and modern variations, highlighting the opportunities and acknowledging the challenges. With deep respect and admiration, we invite others to join us as we continue to learn more.

Episodes

  1. May 25

    The Bazaar

    Why do Kurds love the bazaar so much? In this sixth episode of Reşmall, hosts Stephen, Sarhad, and Andy dive deep into the sensory, social, and historical heart of the bazaar. Discover why the city and the bazaar are entirely inseparable in Kurdish identity , how a vibrant chaikhana transforms into a "social parliament" across all classes, and even the historical role these bustling alleyways played in supporting the Peshmerga. From the unspoken rules of bargaining and the loyalty of becoming a ma'amil , to the unique blessing of the day's first customer, the team explores why the bazaar functions as both a high-trust environment and a form of everyday therapy.

    52 min

  2. May 11

    Engagements & Weddings

    How do Kurdish couples get engaged and get married? In Episode 5 of Reşmall, hosts Stephen, Andy, and Sarhad dive into the complex world of Kurdish engagements and weddings. Joined by special guest Shabin, they explore everything from mothers on secret scouting missions to historical "wife-for-wife" exchanges. Learn how Mullahs formalize contracts and why dowries involve kilograms of gold. The group breaks down the emotional Henna Night, where a bride’s tears are a must, and the high-energy Transition Day when she joins her new family. From the post-wedding "Haftiana" visit to the wisdom of the proverb "See the mother and marry her daughter," this episode is a festive deep dive into Kurdish tradition.

    53 min

  3. Apr 27

    Newroz

    What is the most important Kurdish holiday? In this fourth episode of Reşmall: The Kurdish Culture Podcast, hosts Stephen, Sarhad, and Andy dive into the heart of Kurdish culture by exploring Newroz. Joined by special guest Arazu Barwari, the team explores the powerful legend of Kawa the Blacksmith and his victory over the tyrant Zahak. They discuss why Newroz is far more than just a spring equinox celebration—it is a profound symbol of resistance, unity, and the enduring triumph of light over darkness. From the spectacular fire festivals in Akre to the deep historical significance of the holiday across the four parts of Kurdistan, this episode honors the traditions that have survived for thousands of years. Tune in to learn why the flame of Newroz continues to burn bright for Kurds everywhere.

    30 min

  4. Apr 13

    Bread

    What is so significant about bread in Kurdistan? In Kurdish culture, bread is far more than food — it is a symbol of life, God’s blessing, and deep moral bonds. Join hosts Stephen, Sarhad, and Andy as they explore the sacred respect for naan, from ancient agricultural roots to everyday rituals: kissing fallen bread, never wasting it, and the powerful social covenant of “bread and salt.” Discover why a “bread-giving man” (nander) is the ideal of generosity, how sharing bread builds loyalty and reconciliation, and practical ways to honor this tradition when hosting. Warm, insightful, and surprisingly profound — this episode reveals why Kurds say: today’s bread is the bread that matters.

    44 min

  5. Mar 30

    Hospitality

    Why is Kurdish hospitality so amazing? In this episode of Reşmall, the Kurdish Culture Podcast, hosts Stephen, Sarhad, and Andy explore one of the most renowned aspects of Kurdish culture: hospitality. The discussion dives into why hospitality is so central to Kurdish life—rooted in survival in harsh environments, religious beliefs, and proverbs like “Guests are God’s guests.” Listeners learn the Kurdish customs for welcoming guests: offering water on a fine tray, serving scalding hot looseleaf tea in istikan/piyala glasses (never tea bags!), salty and sweet treats, and abundant meals with multiple dishes. The episode covers practical etiquette for guests and hosts, gender roles in serving, giving and returning gifts, and how hospitality often takes priority even over daily plans.

    55 min

  6. Mar 15

    Respect

    Why do Kurds care so deeply about respect? In this inaugural episode of Reşmall, the Kurdish Culture Podcast, hosts Stephen, Sarhad, and Andy explore the foundational value of respect in Kurdish society. Discover how respect transforms daily interactions: a powerful Peshmerga officer humbly defers to an elderly grandmother, younger people stand for elders, offer seats, serve first, and use honorific titles like "Mam," "Khal," "Kak," or "Mam Haji." The hosts share personal stories, contrasting Kurdish respect with Western equality-focused respect, and discuss body language nuances (like crossed arms signaling respect, limited eye contact showing deference). The conversation covers hierarchy by age, earned vs. ancestral respect, hospitality's deep ties to respect, challenges from urbanization and social media, and practical tips for non-Kurds: greet verbally and warmly, dress formally, respond promptly to calls, accept invitations graciously, and use appropriate titles. Closing with a poignant Kurdish proverb on how respect reveals character, this episode invites listeners into the heart of the Kurdish worldview.

    54 min
  • 6 Episodes

5
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

Welcome to Reşmall, the Kurdish Culture Podcast. Our goal in this podcast is to explore, understand, and share Kurdish culture for the benefit of Kurds and non-Kurds alike. In each episode, we focus on a different aspect of Kurdish culture and how it affects everyday life. Like every culture, Kurdish culture is diverse and always changing. Our hope is to explore both the historic traditions and modern variations, highlighting the opportunities and acknowledging the challenges. With deep respect and admiration, we invite others to join us as we continue to learn more.

Information

  • Creator
    Reşmall Team
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    6
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Reşmall Team

You Might Also Like