What does Xelef mean?

Xelef is first and foremost a Kurdish name. It has several meanings, but the three most widely known/used meanings are as follows:

1. A bandit, who favors the people that are oppressed, and rebels against the authority. (This is the meaning it has mainly in Botan region).
2. Someone, whose ancestors are proud of his actions/doings. (This one is the meaning it has in the Kurdish regions of Iran).
3. Successor. (This one actually comes from Arabic word of Khalif, and it is pronounced a little differently).

So yes that is the meaning of Xelef.

Also, Xelefê Botî/ Xelefê Bota/ Xelefê Bohtî/ Xelefê Shuvî (all referring to the same person) is an important historical Kurdish personality in the Botan region of Kurdish area in Turkey. He is mostly known for his bravery, and courage against the oppressive Mîrs of his time and the Ottomans afterwards.

There is a very famous song called "Ez Xelef Im" sung by Sivan Perwer, the most famous Kurdish singer, and many other artists. Actually, "Ez Xelef Im" is probably one of the most famous song in all Kurdish regions. Even though there are different versions that vary from region to region, the theme is the same: that Xelefê Bohtî rose against the Mîr of Botan and they fought against each other, but no one won really, because while they were fighting, the Ottomans were conquering the whole region of Botan, and by the time they realized this, it was too late!

There is a Xelef dance that is very well known and practiced in almost every wedding in most of Botan, Amed, Hekkari, Behdinan and Wan regions, and possibly in the neighboring regions as well. It is one of the more nuanced Kurdish dances and not everyone knows how to dance it.

In my next post, I will try to translate "Ez Xelef Im" song by Sivan Perwer.

Until then.