Bavê Teyar

His work played a significant role in promoting Kurdish cultural heritage. Teyar died on 19 January 2025 after being wounded in a Turkish attack on the Tishrin Dam in northern Syria.

• Name — Bavê Teyar • Native Name — باڤێ تەیار • Birth Name — Juma Khalil Ibrahim (Cuma Xelil Ibrahim) • Born — 1961 • Birthplace — Qamishli, Al-Hasakah, Syria • Died — 19 January 2025 (aged 63–64) • Place of death — Tishrin Dam, DAANES • Death Cause — Injuries from Turkish drone strike • Resting Place — Qamishli, Syria • Burial Place — Qamishli, Syria • Citizenship — Syria • Occupation — * Comedian • Actor • Theatre director • Activist • Years Active — 1980s–2025 • Known for — Kurdish theatre, comedy, activism • Style — Political satire, social commentary • Movement — Kurdish cultural movement • Opponents — Turkish Armed Forces

Juma Khalil Ibrahim, known by his stage name Bavê Teyar, was born in Qamishli, a city in northeastern Syria, in 1961. From an early age, he developed a strong passion for the performing arts, particularly theatre. He began his career in the 1980s and quickly became a prominent figure in Kurdish theatre, earning recognition for his unique blend of comedy and social commentary. Throughout his more than three-decade-long career, Bavê Teyar's performances often tackled societal issues, including themes of Kurdish identity, resilience, and the struggle for cultural preservation. His ability to combine humor with poignant messages on patriotism and social justice made him a beloved figure in Kurdish cultural circles.

In January 2025, Bavê Teyar participated in a peaceful sit-in protest at the Tishrin Dam in northern Syria, where he advocated against Turkish and Turkish-backed militia attacks on the region. On 18 January 2025, during the protest, he was critically injured in an airstrike attributed to Turkish forces. Despite receiving medical attention, he succumbed to his injuries the following day, on 19 January 2025.

Bavê Teyar was a prominent figure in Kurdish cinema, known for his comedy films that blended humor with social and political commentary on Kurdish identity and resilience. His films, popular among Kurdish-speaking audiences, remain available on YouTube, allowing new generations to experience his work. Teyar's contributions to Kurdish culture extend beyond his films; his art and activism left a lasting impact, fostering solidarity within the Kurdish community. His legacy as a cultural icon continues to inspire and influence contemporary Kurdish media.

Bavê Teyar was recorded at birth as جومە خەلیل ئیبراهیم. The authorities additionally record the headings Bave Teyar, Cuma Xelo, Muhma Xelo and Cûma Xelîl Îbrahîm. His recorded language was Kurdish.