Sherko Bekas was a pivotal figure in modern Kurdish poetry, celebrated for his innovative spirit and willingness to break from tradition. He introduced revolutionary elements such as 'Rûwange' (vision), challenging strict poetic rules and even pioneering the 'poster poem' form, which blended poetic expression with visual art. His works, translated into numerous languages, showcase a unique voice that pushed the boundaries of literary expression and earned him international recognition and accolades.
The late 1980s witnessed two devastating chemical attacks by the Saddam regime on Iraqi Kurdistan. Butterfly Valley is Sherko Bekes' response to these atrocities. Stunned by the world's silence in the face of this genocide, Bekes - in exile in Sweden at the time - longs to go home and mourn the victims.