Îkîdamê

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Awl-axfYgro

The village of Ikîdam (also referred to as Ekîdam) is located in the Şerra (Şerawa) district of Efrîn, situated directly on the border with Turkey, approximately 4 to 5 kilometers from the city of Kilis. The name Ikîdam is Turkish in origin, translating to "Du Mal" (Two Houses), a reference to the settlement's humble beginnings when the founder constructed just two homes at the site. Although the Baathist regime attempted to Arabize the name to "Dama," the locals retain the original designation and its historical meaning.

The village was founded in the late 19th century by Omer Axa, the son of Welî Axa. The family's arrival in the region was a result of conflict and subsequent exile by the Ottoman authorities. Omer Axa's brother, Zûr Xelîl Axa (also referred to as Xelîl Axa), was a prominent figure who led a force of fighters against the Ottomans between 1865 and 1885 due to a conflict with the governor of Kilis. Following their exile, the family settled in the area, and Omer Axa established Ikîdam. The lineage of the founders, the Hecûmera family, remains the dominant social force in the village; indeed, all residents are cousins belonging to this family, which is part of the larger Reşwan tribe.

Historically, Ikîdam was administratively connected to Kilis until the drawing of the borders following the fall of the Ottoman Empire (referenced by elders as the time of the "Fransiza" and the dividing line). This division severed the village's connection to their lands and relatives in northern villages like Deli Osman and Erganê, which remained on the Turkish side. The border is now only 500 meters away, and elders like Apê Wrig recall a time when the border was open and residents could travel freely to Kilis for trade and daily life before landmines were planted and strict controls were enforced.

The geography of Ikîdam is defined by its numerous valleys and caves. Notable natural features include Geliyê Awer, Geliyê Kûr, and Zinara Kûr. The village is home to many caves, such as Şikefta Qehwê, Şikefta Mihrab, and Şikefta Malê Cemîl Axa, which were historically used for habitation and shelter. During the French Mandate era in the 1920s, authorities reportedly confiscated artifacts and maps found in these caves, taking them to the museum in Heleb. The village also possesses 11 ancient hand-dug wells and several springs, including Kaniya Qulaheftêr and Kaniya Ecer, though some have dried up over time.

Culturally, Ikîdam is distinct for its preservation of culinary traditions adopted from Kilis, most notably the making of Kinefe (Kunefe). Introduced to the village by Şêx Necmeddîn, the father-in-law of a resident, the preparation of this sweet dessert has become a village-wide skill, maintained even after the border cut them off from the city where the tradition originated. The villagers also prepare a specific regional dish called Urman, made with meat, yogurt, and frike, which is prepared by the Reşwan tribe families in Ikîdam and the neighboring related villages of Dêrswan, Erebwêran, and Vêrganê.

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THE VILLAGE OF ÎKIDAMÊ

15.11.2016

The name of the village is in the Turkish language. It means (two houses).

The village of Îkidamê is affiliated with the Şera district of the Efrînê canton, located north of the town of Şera. It is about 35 km away from the city of Efrînê.

The village of Îkidamê is located on the border of northern Kurdistan with Rojava, about 5 km from the city of Kilisê across the border.

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Umer Axa is the first person, or the founder, of the village. All the people of the village are from one family. Previously, the village of Îkidamê was affiliated with the city of Kilisê, but after the border was drawn, this village became affiliated with the Şera district.

About 600 people live in the village, and there are about 100 houses in the village. Their relatives are in the villages of Dêrsiwan, Ereb Wêran, Vêrganê, and Bekerê, and they are all from the Reşwanî tribe.

It is worth mentioning that Xelîl Axa, who was the brother of Umer Axa, fought against the Ottomans with 1000 fighters in the years between 1865 – 1885 AD. That war was due to the outbreak of disputes between him and the Governor of Kilisê. As a result, Xelîl Axa built and seized about 40 square kilometers. After that, the Ottoman state seized all the properties of Umer Axa and Xelîl Axa, and he was later captured by the Ottomans and killed.

To the east of the village are the city of Kilis and the village of Erganê across the border and the border of northern Kurdistan; to the south are the village of Dêrsiwanê, the Şîmşekê mountain, and the border; to the west and north are the Simaqa mountain, the Ecer spring, and also 2 caves between the border of Rojava and Bakur.

There are many caves in the village, such as the cave of three tambourines, Qehwe Mixare, Şîmşek. Mihrab, which is a place where

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people used to gather and live. In 1992, the Syrian regime seized many maps that had been found there and took them to the museum of Helebê.

There are many valleys and ravines around the village, such as; the Kur valley, the Henaran valley, the Doman valley, the Kuşlan valley, the Ewir valley, the Hişîne valley, and Zinara Karû. In the Ewir valley, there are 4 springs: the Qulê Heftêr spring, the Darê Tîpê spring, the Teştê spring, and the Xwînê spring. To the north of the village is the Mezin valley, which starts from Kilisê and reaches the Efrînê river.

To the west are the village of Şîltehtê and the village of Bekereyê. This village was previously a ruin, and the border passed through it, but now it is called Til Bekerê. The Efrînê river also passes to the north of the village. After Kurdistan was divided, all the villagers' properties remained on the west side, that is, behind the border.

The villagers make their living from agriculture, and primarily from olive groves, vineyards, cherry trees, and many other types of fruit. Along with agriculture, some families own livestock and make their living from it. A few people also work in the institutions and bodies of the Autonomous Administration.

The village commune is named after martyr Mahsûm, and the women's commune is named after martyr Sekîne Cnsiz. There is a primary school named after martyr Ehmed, from grades one to six, where students study.

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There is an ancient olive press in the village, and it was built underground, named the olive press of Sebrî Axa, but unfortunately, it has now collapsed.

There are 11 ancient water wells in the village, which were dug by hand.

There was a guest room in the village named the room of Cemîl Axa. Guests were welcomed there, and the people of the village gathered there. Also, all problems were discussed and resolved, and the villagers spent their days and nights together.