Writer Abeer Dree’i expressed deep symbolism regarding the revival of the “Shahrazad” Cinema in the city of Amuda after 66 years since the tragedy, emphasizing that this event represents a tribute of loyalty to the souls of hundreds of Kurdish children who were burned to death inside it in 1960.
Despite the passage of sixty-six years since the tragedy of the “Shahrazad” Cinema in Amuda in 1960, its flames continue to burn with grief in the hearts of the city’s residents. Every year, the local population commemorates this painful anniversary, evoking the spirits of more than 280 children who were martyred in that tragic fire.
Speaking of the “Shahrazad” Cinema in the city of Amuda brings back memories of a painful historical tragedy that took place on November 13, 1960, claiming the lives of nearly 280 Kurdish children. This event remains a deep wound and a symbol of tragedy in the Kurdish consciousness and culture, as its details have been immortalized in numerous literary and musical works.
The story began when hundreds of primary school students gathered inside the cinema hall to watch an Egyptian film aimed at supporting the Algerian Revolution, in a screening organized by the Ba’athist regime at the time. However, the children faced a terrifying, tragic fate when a massive, sudden fire broke out and consumed the cinema hall, which was packed with more than 500 children despite having a capacity of no more than 200 people. The hall turned into a deadly trap that trapped the martyrs due to locked doors, resulting in this catastrophic loss of human life.
Sixty-six years after the fire, Amuda Cinema has been revived under the supervision of the Cultural Center, with Kurdish films now being screened there every Thursday.
The Purpose Behind Reopening Amuda Cinema
Regarding the purpose and significance of reviving Amuda Cinema, writer Abeer Dree’i told Women News Agency: “After more than half a century, the memory of the 280 children who were martyred in the fire remains present, and the cinema has returned to throb with life once again.”
Abeer described the reopening of the cinema as a historic event brimming with symbolism: “Amuda witnessed an enormous tragedy in the 1960s; the smell of the fire lingered in the city’s air for months. Every time I pass by the cinema, I hear the screams of the children who were burned to death. Reviving the cinema today is a gesture of loyalty to both the departed and the living; it ensures that new generations understand the truth of what happened here and appreciate the historical value of restoring this cinematic landmark.”
JINHAGENCY
She highlighted the purpose behind reviving the cinema: “Through the revival of the cinema, we aimed to enrich the town and transform that pain into something of value for today’s children. Amuda was steeped in a deep, endless sorrow, and it is important that those passing by the cinema today do not merely smell the scent of the fire, but also breathe the air of renewal. The Amuda Cinema fire must be included in school curricula.”
She explained that despite the burning of Amuda, it remains capable of rising again and continuing its path: “We remind today’s children that sixty-six years ago, there were children just like them, but the flames consumed them. Even if the cinema was burned, it will remain alive and enduring.”
Why Should This Be Included in Educational Materials?
Regarding why she wants the cinema to be part of the Syrian curriculum currently being prepared, Abeer said: “At that time, the Ba’athist regime screened a film about Algeria for the children, and our pain deepens because our children went to the cinema in solidarity with others, as their ticket proceeds were sent to support the Algerian Revolution. For this reason, we want the whole world to know at whose hands and for what cause our children were burned to death. Many writers have authored books detailing the fire, so why shouldn’t this be included in the curriculum? There are many books that could serve as educational materials for children within the curricula currently under development.”
“Amuda Cinema Brings Us Together Through Diverse Art Forms”
Abeer noted that Amuda Cinema is not merely a venue for screening films, but also a cultural space: “Amuda Cinema brings us together through diverse art forms; on the day of its revival, several singers gave performances, and painters displayed their works. For us, that day was like the revival of a sacred spirit.”
She also called for improvements and additions to enrich the current cinema site, outlining the necessary steps to achieve this. She drew attention to the small area of the current location, noting that it would have been better to build a winter screening hall to accommodate a wider variety of events, along with providing space for a Kurdish library that encourages reading.
She expressed her hope that the new cinema under construction would take these requirements into account, despite preferring that these ideas be realized at the original site that witnessed the tragedy, given that it pulses with irreplaceable symbolism and vitality. She emphasized the importance of restoring and developing this landmark while fully maintaining its historical identity.
In conclusion of her interview with Women News Agency, Abeer Dree’i extended an invitation to families to urge them to teach their children the Kurdish language, introduce them to their historical roots, and instill the values of their culture in them to reinforce their national identity and awareness of the historical turning points they have passed through. She also stressed the necessity of documenting the historical milestones of the Kurdish people and passing them down to younger generations.
Note: This text is translated from the original Arabic version… Read the Arabic version:Click here
