Dargirê

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

The village of Dargirê, located in the Mabeta district of the Afrin region, holds a history deeply connected to the natural landscape and ancient dwellings. According to local elders and oral history, the name Dargirê is derived from a solitary, massive tree ("Darek bi tenê") that once stood on the hill ("gir") where the village was established. Some accounts suggest the name comes from "Dar girt" or relates to the plane trees (çinar) that historically dotted the area. While the region contains Roman-era wells suggesting ancient habitation, the modern village structure emerged approximately 300 years ago when the population moved out of caves to build stone houses.

Before this transition, the inhabitants lived in a network of caves known as Şikeftên Kevmar. The narrator notes there are nearly 25 such caves around the village. Interestingly, five of these caves were later converted into olive presses (mehser), utilized by prominent families such as Hemedê Ejik, Betalê Qere, Ibrîm, Seydê Hesen, and Henî Elû. Olive cultivation is central to the village's economy, with residents stating that olive trees were planted extensively around 200 years ago, replacing earlier vegetation of scrub and wild trees.

Socially, Dargirê is distinct within the Mabeta district. While the host notes that Mabeta is predominantly Alevi, the residents of Dargirê identify as Sunni Kurds. Despite this, they maintain syncretic traditions centered around the shrine of Ehmed Dede. Villagers visit this site on Thursdays to light candles and olive oil lamps, seeking cures for illnesses and making wishes. A specific ritual involves the Dara Ziftê (Pitch Tree) near the shrine; those suffering from warts visit on Wednesdays to cut a piece of the tree and place it on their skin without looking back. Another shrine, Şêx Cemaleddîn, located between Dargirê and Cûqê, was historically used for rain prayers during drought years.

The village social structure is built upon several core families. Elders mention the "Selef" (ancestral) families who lived in the caves, including Şêx Çîlê, Qere, Hevîdê, Têwit, and Eljûja. The narrator adds that the current village comprises about 250 households rooted in ten main families, including Bekirê Elîko, Ocê, Omer Sefîno, and Bekirê Kêlê.

Water sources are significant historical landmarks. The village relies on ancient wells believed to be Roman, specifically Bîra Jorin (Upper Well) and Bîra Jêrîn (Lower Well), also known as Bîra Dargirê. Another key source, Bîra Hecmûra, traditionally supplied water to four neighboring villages: Koka Jorîn, Koka Jêrîn, Cûqê, and Dargirê. The surrounding geography is defined by valleys such as Geliyê Şêxmîr, which contains ruins, and Geliyê Avê. Residents also preserve traditional practices, including folk medicine performed by specialists like Mihemed Dawûd, and communal games interpreted by locals as metaphors for defending their land.

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmhnHYdMxs4

The village of Dolgirê is an ancient settlement located in the Afrin region where the history of the community is deeply rooted in the landscape itself. According to an elderly resident named Ebû Henan the site of the village was originally wild mountain terrain before any houses were constructed. The earliest inhabitants did not build stone structures immediately but instead lived in caves. Ebû Henan recounts that there were initially seven households or heft mal residing in these caves. These early settlers were closely knit and described as being like brothers from a single lineage. The elder mentions specific ancestors such as Qere and Muhemmed whose descendants formed the core of the village population.

The name Dolgirê carries a specific etymological significance explained by the local elders. It is derived from the phrase Dar Gir which translates to Big Tree. This name refers to a massive black tree or darê reş mezin that once stood in the area and served as a defining landmark for the community. While the village is known as Dolgirê the elder notes that in other places similar locations might be referred to as Dorik or Dedey but here the identity is tied to the history of that great tree.

Socially the village is composed of several key families including Mala Aqîl Mala Ebdê Mala Şêx and Mala Bekî Elî. Although they maintain distinct family names the residents emphasize their common origins and unity. The current population estimates vary with speakers in the documentary suggesting between 225 and 350 households exist in Dolgirê. However the community has faced significant hardship. Ebû Henan laments that many residents have passed away due to deep sorrow and distress known as qehr or have left the region causing a decline in the active population.

Agriculture remains central to life in Dolgirê with the villagers primarily engaged in cultivating olive trees and vineyards. The village layout features traditional elements including an old water well located in the center. A specific mulberry tree called Darê tûra is also highlighted as a living foundation of the village. Geographically Dolgirê is situated near the town of Mabata which is visible from the village and serves as a local administrative center. Despite the modern concrete houses the presence of ancient caves and the oral history preserved by elders like Ebû Henan keep the memory of the early cave dwelling era alive.