Humans of Kurdistan
The "Humans Of Kurdistan" project aims to present the cultural diversity of the country. A look at the faces but also the stories that lie behind each of them.

2/10/2024

I was born here in the village of Shene, though I don’t know exactly how old I am. I do know that I was born during the reign of King Faisal. My name is Awla, but people call me Mam (uncle) Awla. I grew up in this village and learned how to farm here, and it’s where my wife left me. My children want me to move to the city and live with them, but the air of this land is what keeps me alive, and my food comes from the earth and water here. If I don’t see these mountains for even a day, I feel depressed. This is my home, and it’s where I belong until the end. ...

26/7/2024

In 1978, the villages of Hawraman were destroyed by the former Iraqi regime. The villages were abandoned, and the original culture and character of Hawraman were wiped out, leaving no houses or walls standing. Since the 1991 revolution and the subsequent reconstruction of the villages of Kurdistan and Hawraman, I have worked as a stone master in Hawraman. I have built most of the houses and walls in Hawraman and the surrounding villages. My name is Jihangir Mustafa, and I am a 58-year-old resident of Balkham Village. I work as a stone wall craftsman to earn a living. I have a passion for construction work, as it helps preserve the beautiful scenery of Hawraman and maintain the region's cultural heritage. I love my profession and want the new generation to learn about the ancient culture of Hawraman. I inherited this craft from my parents, and I have made efforts to teach others so that the original culture of Hawraman continues after I am gone. I love my profession and want the new generation to learn about the ancient culture of Hawraman. I inherited this craft from my parents, and I have made efforts to teach others so that the original culture of Hawraman continues after I am gone. ...