Sartip Vim - Humans of Kurdistan

in Humans of South

“I have spent my entire life surrounded by nature, as farming is our family's main occupation. When Spring and Summer arrive, I gather local produce from the high mountains and sell them on the main streets. The drivers passing by are usually interested in rhubarb and plums, so I make sure to offer them the highest quality products available. Harvesting rhubarb is particularly challenging, as it is not like other greens. It takes a lot of effort to locate and pick them, and I have fallen off those mountains numerous times and suffered injuries. However, since our livelihood depends on it, I always find the strength to climb back up again.” ...

May 24 2023

May 17, 2023

in Humans of South

“When people approach me for advice on opening a shop, I always urge them to focus on something that isn't seasonal. I don't want them to make the same mistake I did, where I found myself working only a few months each year. Those specializing in fans and AC are busy during the summer, while those dealing with e-heaters and oil heaters have their peak season in winter. Realizing this, I changed my approach and ventured into the water pump business. I considered its year-round demand and decided it was a more sustainable option. Frankly, I had grown tired of working just five months a year and then sitting idle in my shop for the rest of the year. Living conditions are harsh these days, and relying on such limited work is no longer feasible.” ...

May 24 2023

May 22, 2023

in Humans of East

“I’m 65 years old and from Dewaznawi village in the Sawlaw subdistrict. I’ve been doing this mending work. Since we live near Sirwan Lake, there are many Judas trees here. For most of us, this work is better than any other profession. All the residents of Dewaznaw are occupied with this work, women, children, we all know it, our village is famous for this. All the handicrafts things you see in Hawraman are from our village. They come here in big trucks and collect what we have made village. Previously, our ancestors used to take these things and exchange them in other towns for wheat and other things. Once, my father spoke about how strange it was for the people of Hamedan to learn that we are making these things out of wood. They said, “These artifacts are as enigmatic as aircraft.” ...

May 24 2023

February 26, 2023

in Humans of West

“After the Turkish state conquered our city in 2019, I was displaced to Ras al-Ayn. I was too sick to escape when the Turks advanced in our area. One day, my 25-year-old son went out to buy me medicines but never returned. Later we got the news that he was imprisoned in one of the Turkish prisons in Batman. From that point, my life has been flipped upside down. Even though I am sick, I work as a seamstress to send him some money. My only hope in life is to see him one more time.” ...

Mar 02 2023

February 8, 2023

in Humans of West

"I’m 72 years old, and from Amuda, I also live there. When I was a child, I didn’t have the chance to attend school and learn how to read and write. When I turned 50, my husband taught me how to read and write in Kurdish. I tried hard until I finally learned. In 2014 I went to the USA; my son lived there. My son and his wife were leaving for work, and I was left alone at home all the time. So, I decided to start reading books. Years later, I took the first step in writing my own book titled Biranina Jineke Kurd. I talked about the story of my life from childhood as a Kurdish woman from Amuda, Western Kurdistan. In 2022, I returned to Amuda and had it printed. I have dreamed of learning how to read and write since childhood. Here I am now; finally, I achieved this dream, I wrote a book, and I’m in the middle of writing another one." ...

Mar 02 2023

January 18, 2023

in Humans of West

“I live in Til Ziwan village in Qamishli. I have been farming since childhood; I’m 65 years old now and still farming. This is inherited from our ancestors, and we will not abandon it. Because of the scarcity of rainwater in the last two years and climate change, we have a decline in production. If the situation stays like this, it will be very threatening, especially in our area, as it is one of the most important areas in Rojava and Syria regarding crop production. We will plant wheat again this new year; even if the rainfall decreases, we will count on irrigation. Although this will considerably increase the cost, this is the only solution we have.” ...

Mar 02 2023

February 5, 2023

in Humans of South

“The art of body ink (Deq) has a long history in Kurdish culture. Thankfully, this tradition has faded a bit and, in some places, has disappeared entirely. Nowadays, people get it done as tattoos, it doesn’t cause as much pain, and it’s done more exquisitely than before. They ink themselves with devices today, not by hand like in the past. In the early 70s, they inked this Deq for me. For a woman like me, this was beautiful back then and would attract the sights of those gazing at me. I did not have the same mindset back then as I do now. Honestly, I regret it a lot, but I still have kept it because of how painful it is to remove it. Besides, it leaves ugly marks, so I don’t know what to do with it.” ...

Mar 02 2023

February 22, 2023

“I lost two grandchildren, one was 3 years old, and the other was 7 years old. I lost my son and daughter-in-law. They were all under the ruins. They retrieved the bodies of my grandchildren and daughter-in-law, but my son hasn't been taken out for days. I tell the man, 'go look,' he tells me, 'there is no smell' couldn’t he be alive if there is no smell? Why don't you bring them out? Are you going to let them die? They are working on the rubbles on the road but haven't touched them yet. When I came here, I threw myself in front of the camp. My son is 22 years old. I can't make my voice heard.” ...

Mar 02 2023

February 19, 2023

"Our house was destroyed in the earthquake. I lost four relatives, and eight of my neighbors are still left under the ruins. Everyone is gone, and I have no one left. It gets really cold, so I make a fire here and warm myself. I don't know what else to do. God bless those who are bringing help, but what should I do? There are poorer families than us." ...

Mar 02 2023

February 1, 2023

"I guess there is nothing worse in life than being thirsty. When I was a child, there was no water in the village, and when I reached the age of 60, there was no water again. The village has 150 houses and 40,000 animals, but there is no water. Regarding the animals, we have to bring water to them here, and we use the donkey to bring water to the house. The water from the well also harms health, but we have no other options. If it doesn't rain, we will be without water. This year is very dry, and this drought will be a big problem for us in the summer months. If this continues, there will be no life in the villages, and all the villagers will be displaced. Maybe we will become thirsty, and perhaps we will die longing for a drop of water." ...

Mar 02 2023

January 22, 2023