Humans of South - Humans of Kurdistan

Story of a Kurd from Southern Kurdistan Story of a Kurd from Southern Kurdistan When we were in Dubz prison, pregnant women were with us. Whenever a woman gave birth, I would act as the midwife. When I was 20 years old, in our village, I had learned how to cut umbilical cords and be a midwife for women. My name is Nergiz Aziz Baba Aziz, known as "Nergiz the Midwife." I was born in 1955 and am from the village of Jabari in the Chamchamal district. Late one night, Baath soldiers raided our village and took all of us in covered military vehicles to Topzawa in Kirkuk. At first, they separated us all from each other. They took the women to Dubz prison and the men to Nugra Salman. During our time in prison, every day the prison official would come to us and say: "You will no longer be Kurdish or practice Kurdish nationalism. This will be your place until you die!" While in prison and until we were released, we didn't know what happened to the others, because when they separated us, some died from the extreme heat and lack of water. In Dubz prison, more than 60 children were born by my hands. Although there was a hospital there, because we were Kurdish, they wouldn't take us to the hospital even if we fell ill. When Saddam issued a general amnesty and we were released, none of our men and boys had returned. In my father's house alone, more than 20 men had been buried alive. I had six children. One of my children even died in prison from starvation. Food in prison was only one piece of hard bread. Until my child died, they kept crying out for bread. Finally, after the general amnesty, one night they put us in five vehicles and later dumped us in Arbat. From that night until two years ago, I continued in the profession of midwifery, but later the government officially banned the practice of midwifery. ...

Apr 02 2025

2/04/2025

My name is Sawza Maruf Said. I was born in 1956. At the age of four, I lost both of my eyes due to an illness. One night, I went to sleep with healthy eyes, and by morning, I had become blind! The illness is not hereditary, and in our family, until now, there has been no other blind person - I am the only one. I learned sewing from my sister-in-law. The first time I sewed a dress was when I was 13 years old, and I have continued this work ever since. I mostly sew maxis, dresses, and Kurdish clothing for people, but recently, cancer has gripped me, and I have visited Hewa Hospital. I can no longer do the work as I used to, and now I only sew clothes for myself. In the past, (Kewa) was very difficult to sew and was not like the current style; it had seven or eight pieces. Besides sewing, I also made handicrafts, bags, and floor cloths by hand. Whatever I touched, I would quickly learn - my talent was a gift from God. I even used to repair sewing machines for people. Despite losing my sight and being ill, I now teach sewing classes in this center, and nothing has become an obstacle in my work and life. I also teach classes to people with special needs, especially those who are blind and deaf. I continue to attend all festivals and showcase my handicrafts...

Mar 05 2025

03/05/2025

In the villages of (Pishdara Raqa), where mountains meet the sky and the earth opens its arms to them, lives a 54-year-old shepherd named (Mam Rasul). Mam Rasul has spent part of his life in these mountains and records the secrets of his life with his livestock. Behind Mam Rasul's shepherd life, a deep philosophy can be felt when every morning, as the sun's rays appear from the mountain peaks, he leaves home and spreads the sound of his animals' bells throughout the valleys while listening to the birds' songs and the roar of rivers. For Mam Rasul, shepherding is not just a profession, but a way of feeling freedom in nature's embrace, allowing him to let go of his worries. This natural calm and reassurance is a balm for healing his psychological wounds. Mam Rasul himself says: When I go to the mountains with my livestock, I see beautiful nature and breathe clean air, my heart fills with joy. Shepherding is the medicine for all ailments and saves the mind from sorrow. I prefer living with livestock over everything else. ...

Feb 05 2025

5/02/2025

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 08 2025

8/1/2025

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 11 2024

11/12/2024

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

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. ...

Oct 23 2024

23/10/2024

If I know that someone wants to buy my handicrafts as gifts, I charge as little as possible because I aim to help revive this culture in my country. We Kurds are generous people, and that generosity makes our relationships even more beautiful. I want to play a small part in nurturing that beauty. My name is Chapuka. I've been doing this in Koya for many years, purely for the joy it brings me. I've been retired for a long time now, but I still come every day to create these small, handcrafted pieces. My customers are mostly students and women because they care deeply about the beauty of their homes. My workshop may be small, but it brings a lot of happiness to the hearts of those who visit. ...

Oct 02 2024

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. ...

Jul 26 2024

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. ...

May 24 2023

March 6, 2023

by Sartip Vim