Ayşe Şan (1938 – 1996) was a celebrated Kurdish singer, whose passionate voice and enduring works made her an iconic figure in Kurdish music history. Born in the city of Yerevan in Armenia, she hails from a lineage with deep musical roots—the Şan family—known for their contributions to the traditional arts. Ayşe's father, Mıhemed Arif Cizrawî, was a respected dengbêj (Kurdish bard), who played a significant role in nurturing her musical talents from an early age.

Throughout her career, Ayşe Şan's music became synonymous with the Kurdish people's cultural and national identity. Her powerful and emotive performances are renowned for expressing the struggles, desires, and joys of Kurdish life. Some of her most recognized works, such as "Qederê" and "Dengê Kurdistan'ê," reflect the deep emotional terrain of Kurdish folklore and draw from the rich tradition of Kurdish resistance music. Despite facing political and personal challenges, including backlash and censorship by various regimes, Ayşe Şan's legacy continues to resonate in the hearts of Kurds and admirers worldwide, cementing her status as one of the most influential voices of Kurdish music.