(I love you in Kurdish) is a popular emotional and political poem often shared in Turkish and Kurdish social media circles. It uses the metaphor of a forbidden or "illegal" love to describe the Kurdish identity and experience in Turkey. Key Themes of the Poem
It is sometimes confused with the traditional Sufi hymn "Severim Ben Seni" by the 13th-century mystic Yunus Emre , which has a spiritual rather than political focus.
It mentions "kaçak tütün" (smuggled tobacco) and "kaçak çay" (illegal tea), which are common cultural staples in the region.
The poem often includes lines like "If I love you, the integrity of the state will be broken" or "If I love you, the country will be divided," reflecting on the historical sensitivity surrounding the Kurdish language and identity.
You can listen to a recitation of the poem with its cultural and political imagery here:
It frequently refers to tragic events, such as Roboski, to emphasize a love that persists despite pain and conflict. Artistic Representations
There is a digital story titled "Ben Seni Kürtçe Severim" on the platform Dreame , which follows the love story of a commando facing the harsh realities of war.
The text is characterized by its use of cultural symbols and political subtext: