Nvar Kawan - Humans of Kurdistan

Feb 19 2025

19/02/2025

It had been my dream for many years to establish a sewing workshop, but I kept postponing the idea out of fear that I wouldn't be able to make this dream a reality. Later, when my daughter grew a bit older and went to school, the time finally came to work on my dream, and I established my own sewing workshop. My name is Mona. My mother's family is Arab, and my father's is Kurdish. My father's relatives called me Muna, which stayed that way, so I named my workshop Muna and said: "Whatever happens, let it happen!" Because it's never too late to make our dreams come true, and we don't know what life will bring us! If you also have any dreams, try to achieve them because the moment you reach your dream is a very special feeling that cannot be described. ...

Feb 12 2025

02/12/2025

by Nvar Kawan

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in Humans of West

The trees used in charcoal production are taken from damaged trees and excess branches, so no harm comes to nature and the environment. We do not suggest cutting down beneficial green trees, and we protect the environment as much as we can. My name is Ali Ahmad. I am from Kobani (in the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria) and work in the natural charcoal industry. Charcoal production requires several precise, sequential stages, from collecting tree branches and cutting them to gathering them in a pyramid shape and then reaching the production stage. First, we cover the collected wood with soil and then monitor the pile of wood from inside as it slowly burns. Then, the process is carefully monitored to ensure that the wood color changes to the known black color and breaks into small pieces in such a way that after this stage, which takes one week, the charcoal is finally ready for use. In recent years, my brothers and I learned charcoal making from one of our relatives. Now, it has become our only source of income through which we secure our daily livelihood. The charcoal is sold in markets at different prices according to quality, and for each kilogram, the price reaches approximately 10 Syrian pounds. ...

Feb 05 2025

5/02/2025

by Nvar Kawan

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in Humans of South

My name is San'an Fayeq Mohammed. I was born in 1976 and am from the village of (Hanay Din) in the district of (Khurmal). I inherited the cotton-fluffing profession from my ancestors, and I am the only person in the Hawraman region who has been engaged in this work for 26 years, making my living from it. Cotton-fluffing is an ancient profession in the region. It involves making pillows, quilts, mattresses, and several other necessities, incorporating patterns, designs, colors, and craftsman's techniques. Until the end of the 1990s, the Sharazur plain was a source of cotton cultivation that provided raw materials for the profession and met more than the local demand. However, nowadays, due to imports, foreign products, and technological advancement, the profession has declined and is at risk of disappearing. I doubt that my children will continue this beautiful and heartwarming profession after me. ...

Jan 29 2025

29/01/2025

by Nvar Kawan

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in Humans of East

My name is Parisa Rahimi. I am 28 years old. Although I hold a master’s degree in computer engineering, my true passion has always been horseback riding. I have been an equestrian for 15 years and currently work as a coach at a club in Sanandaj. Horseback riding is an ancient and unique sport that offers both physical and mental tranquility. Throughout my career, I have competed in several equestrian tournaments across Iran and East Kurdistan, earning first--, second, and third-place titles. I also served as vice president of the Sanandaj Equestrian Board for four years. I hold an official Class III Coaching Federation Certificate in equestrianism and a specialized qualification for training individuals with disabilities. I have dedicated my life to this profession and take great pride in sharing the beauty of this sport with others. ...

Jan 22 2025

22/1/2025

by Nvar Kawan

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in Humans of East

Uncle Tofiq is a special needs person. He is 84 years old. For about 50 years in the town of Hasanawa in Sanandaj, he has been busy repairing oil lamps and samovars and installing burners to stoves. He has emerged as a skilled and talented craftsman and continues his profession to this day. In addition to his lamp-making work, he also works as a folk healer for people with fallen navels*, helping to restore them. Although Uncle Tofiq is deaf, he understands customers' and patients' requests through sign language and has developed excellent relationships with those around him. *Nave sliding is an abdominal wall defect, and gastrointestinal and psychological problems are listed as the most prominent signs and symptoms. ...

Jan 15 2025

15/1/2025

by Nvar Kawan

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in Humans of West

Here in Kobani, people know my shop as "Msse," named after my former business partner with whom I used to repair winter heaters and cooking equipment, especially those that ran on gas (diesel). From childhood until now, I'm over 60 years old, I've been in this same profession. I hope my son, who has been learning under my supervision for years, will continue this work. Although I've told him he's free to learn another profession that might be cleaner and more organized than this one, he insists on staying in this trade. We own the oldest Kurdish shop in Kobani, which repairs household items, particularly fire-related equipment. Unfortunately, nowadays, with technological advancement and reliance on electrical power, things have become more manageable. Still, the situation remains unchanged for the Kurdish people as we've been accustomed to complex and heavy work since ancient times. This profession is still in high demand because the region is going through wartime conditions, and people are forced to rely on old cooking and heating equipment. ...

Jan 08 2025

8/1/2025

by Nvar Kawan

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in Humans of South

I inherited the construction trade from my family. My father used to tell me stories about my grandfather, a skilled wall craftsman renowned in Akre. Many houses in the Josteyi-Goravey neighborhood still testify to his craftsmanship. My father and grandfather had close friendships with the Jewish families who once lived in the area. I studied in Akre until the fifth grade, and I still recall my father telling me, ‘Go study and don’t take up my profession—it’s tough and complicated.’ However, after his passing, I found myself following in his footsteps, and I’ve now been working as a builder for 25 years. A project has been initiated to restore the two historic neighborhoods of Akre and transform them into a cultural heritage site. Sadly, only two of us are left in the area, skilled in traditional stone wall craftsmanship. So far, we’ve restored 14 houses and a cultural restaurant as part of this project. ...

Dec 25 2024

25/12/2024

by Nvar Kawan

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in Humans of North

Seven years ago, we started this initiative with two female colleagues. Initially, we produced eight types of fruit jams and later expanded into making tomato sauce. At first, we sourced tomatoes from the market but soon decided to grow our own. We acquired 50 hectares of land and began cultivating tomatoes to achieve this. Afterward, we diversified into producing tomato paste and drying some harvests. Our products were then exported to Turkey and European markets. What started as a small project seven years ago has now grown to encompass 30,000 hectares. Currently, we collaborate with 12 women's teams, each comprising 35 women. Many of these women, who previously worked as transhumants and commuted to large cities in Turkey, are now cultivating and harvesting crops on their own land. ...

Dec 18 2024

18/12/2024

by Nvar Kawan

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in Humans of West

My name is Ahmad Mohammed, and I am a beekeeper from Kobanê. At over fifty years old, beekeeping has been a lifelong passion for me. I once owned hundreds of beehives and produced pure, natural honey. However, the war and the complex situation in Syria have had a devastating impact on my work and livelihood. Additionally, the use of chemicals in agriculture has led to widespread bee deaths. The loss of bees is not just an economic issue—it also threatens our traditions, culture, food, and medicine. I urge everyone to value and support beekeeping, as it is a vital resource for both humanity and the planet. ...

Dec 11 2024

11/12/2024

by Nvar Kawan

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in Humans of South

I, Nazanin Hama Rahman, was born in Hawraman and proudly own Dyar Restaurant and Kebab Shop in Balkha village, Hawraman. For the past four years, I have worked alongside my husband and children to establish a seasonal restaurant and kebab shop in this stunning natural setting. Our establishment reflects a distinct cultural character. While our food and kebabs are renowned, the breathtaking scenery has turned our location into a popular tourist destination, attracting numerous visitors daily. We take pride in providing excellent hospitality and serving the finest dishes in the region. When building the restaurant, we used local stone to create a design that harmonizes with the area's natural beauty. Preserving the cultural heritage and respecting the local environment should always take precedence in any new project. ...

Nov 27 2024

27/11/2024

by Nvar Kawan

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in Humans of East, Humans of South

People call me Mam Darwish, but my real name is Affan Hama-Yousef. I was born in Biara and have lived there for all 68 years of my life. A human-made border has split my country and village into two parts. I built my teahouse right between these borders. Inside its walls, there are no divisions—I serve tea and hot milk to my guests, no matter where they come from. This humble café has become a tourist attraction, drawing visitors from all over the world. The spot where I make tea is on the Iraqi side of the border, while my guests sit on the Iranian side. But to me, it’s all one land—it’s all Kurdistan. ...

Nov 20 2024

20/11/2024

by Nvar Kawan

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in Humans of North

My name is Jum'a, and I am 62 years old. I have witnessed many events in this city over the years, including my time working at an ancient bathhouse where I cleaned for four years. In the past, people frequently visited the bathhouse, but due to its age—over 500 years old—much of the structure has collapsed. For the past eight years, I have been transforming it into a tea house. Thanks to its rich history, it now attracts many tourists daily. We offer guests traditional Kurdish music and tea, preserving and sharing our heritage. Truly, we are "eating the bread of our history." ...

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