The şilêr is known as the flower of the Kurds. It was first recorded at the end of the 1840s, around Lake Van, by the Austrian scientist Friedrich Wilhelm Noë, under the name Fritillaria kurdica. It is widespread in most regions of Kurdistan, especially in Colemêrg (Hakkari) and Serhed. Because of its loveliness and delicacy it has long been on the lips of poets and singers, and its beauty makes it one of the most prized and striking of all flowers.
English name
Snake’s head; it has ten other English names as well.
Number of species
One main species, occurring in several colours, is recorded under this scientific name. Several sister species, with their own names and colours, grow in other countries. The şilêr is considered a flower characteristic of this region, the Zagros mountain range.
Written by Weysî Silêman Elî · Last updated 28 September 2026
