Bilêlko

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rNsU6KBgNNE

The village of Bilêlka, located in the Çiyayê Kurmênc region approximately 15 kilometers from Reco, is defined by its high-altitude geography and a traumatic history involving colonial violence. Situated in a mountainous area that experiences significant snowfall, the village has shifted its agricultural identity over time. While historically known for grapes and walnuts, Bilêlka is now renowned throughout the region for its kerez (cherry) orchards, specifically in areas like Qerabîlê.

The history of the village is heavily marked by events that occurred around 1939, during the French Mandate era. According to the elder Reşîd Hemmed, the community was originally small, consisting of only a few households. A religious figure known as Şêxê Berî began to gain influence and gather a large congregation ("cemaet") of followers (mirîd). This rise in local power threatened the Oxler family, a prominent local faction that was aligned with Frensa (the French authorities). The Oxler group, fearing the growing influence of the Sheikh's community, collaborated with the colonial power to suppress them.

This conflict escalated into a military assault where Frensa utilized airplanes ("teyare") to bombard Bilêlka. The aerial attack forced the residents to flee across the border into Tirkiyê. The villagers, who were Kurds, remained in exile for several months. While some returned following a general amnesty ("efû"), others were lost or chose not to return. During the occupation, the French and the Oxler faction burned many homes, particularly those of the common poor ("fighara"). To maintain control, the French military established three posts ("cephe") around the village to monitor the area and prevent incursions.

Dominating the landscape above the village is Kela Bilîlko (the Castle of Bilîlko). The resident Hesen describes this site as a "Kela Rûma" (Roman castle), indicating ancient origins. Although now largely in ruins, the castle site holds historical significance not only as an ancient fortification but also as a strategic point used by Frensa during the mandate. The French military used the steep slopes leading to the castle to transport supplies using mules. Today, traces of the ruins remain, though the site is difficult to access.

Economically, the village underwent a major transformation starting around 1991. While the plains of Deşta Qerebotan and Deşta Qerebabo were once used for traditional farming and grazing, the villagers adapted to the high altitude and cold climate by planting thousands of cherry trees. This shifted the village's reputation from a producer of grapes to a primary source of cherries in the region. The cultural life of the village is preserved by figures like Apê Elî, who maintains the oral traditions through song.

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2oN3GEObd0

The documentary footage focuses on the village of Bililko in the Afrin region, capturing a specific moment in its contemporary social life while highlighting the difficult geography that defines the area. While the transcript does not provide deep historical founding dates or etymological origins for the name Bililko, it offers a clear snapshot of the village's physical environment and the hardships faced by its residents. The terrain is described as rugged, with the host emphasizing that the roads leading to the village are particularly difficult ("çetin"), damaged ("xarabe"), and muddy ("herrî"). These conditions severely limit access, making it a challenge for outsiders to document the area thoroughly.

Geographically, the village is situated within a natural landscape characterized by specific local landmarks. The host identifies a location known as Mefraqê Mamola, likely a crossroads or intersection named Mamola, which serves as a navigational point in the vicinity. Furthermore, there is a discussion regarding a path leading to Darê meydanê, which translates to "the tree of the square" or "the tree of the open field." This suggests a notable tree that serves as a gathering place or a recognized landmark within the village structure. The environment is described as having cool air ("hewa hênik"), and the economy appears tied to agriculture, specifically the olive harvest ("aforê zeytûna"), which is central to the livelihoods of the local families.

The primary narrative focus of the transcript is a humanitarian visit to the home of an elderly resident referred to respectfully as Xalû. This visit sheds light on the struggles of vulnerable families within Bililko. Xalû cares for four adult children, three daughters and one son, who all suffer from disabilities described by the host as "moaq" (disabled) or "kûyt." The family lives in poverty, unable to travel or work effectively, relying on the limited support available. The conversation highlights the lack of employment ("şixul nînin") and the dependence on the seasonal olive harvest, during which other family members, including the mother and another son, are away working in the fields.

The documentary concludes with the host apologizing to the people of Bililko for not being able to film the entire village comprehensively. This limitation is attributed to the poor condition of the infrastructure and a desire to respect the privacy of the residents, many of whom were reluctant to appear on camera. Despite these constraints, the footage documents the resilience of residents like Xalû and preserves the names of local landmarks such as Darê meydanê and Mefraqê Mamola, marking them as part of the village's identity.