Elcara - Mabeta

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qMOth87MVrw

The villages of Alciyara and Reca are located approximately 11 kilometers west of the district of Mabeta in the Afrin region. Although they are technically two distinct settlements, they function socially and administratively as a single entity, sharing a commune, a mosque, a cemetery, and a school. The residents are closely bound by kinship and shared history, with the physical boundaries of the villages merging over time. The economy is primarily agrarian, dependent on olive groves and fruit trees, with water traditionally sourced from local wells and springs due to the high elevation.

The origins of Alciyara are traced back to a founding figure named Eliyê Jare, also known as Elî Carû in Arabic contexts. His descendants form the core population of the village, rooted in the Biyan tribe. According to local oral history, Eliyê Jare had four sons named Hecbirîm, Os, Ehmed, and Şêxê, whose lineages constitute the primary families of Alciyara, along with the Hesûnê and Eme families. The village name itself evolved from Elî Jare to Alciyara through linguistic shifts over generations.

The history of Reca is defined by its founder, Recê Çûmezin. Oral traditions state that Rec was the son of Çûmezin. Rec settled in the current village location, while his brothers migrated elsewhere; one brother established the Kurdî family in Sewliyê near Atme, and another named Hemê Recê settled near Recû. The village of Reca is home to three main families: Osê, Hemê Recê, and Wehîd. Additionally, the Şe'ro and Bekirê Reşo families migrated to Reca from Gûrda.

The landscape around the villages is rich with historical and natural landmarks. A stream known as Çemêreşkê, also called Geliyê Şêran, runs below the villages. Along this watercourse lies the ruin of an ancient water mill known as Aşê Elî Axa. To the south lies Gaza Zêra, an area noted for its olive trees and construction, and Çiyayê Eliyê Omê. The villagers historically relied on the Bîra Eliyê Carat well and the Kaniya Mîra spring. A significant historical site mentioned is a Roman era well located in Geliye Bîrê, which historically supplied water to seven surrounding villages including Me'serkê, Birqasê, and Çûmazna. Near this well stands a massive Çinar tree, estimated by locals to be 1300 years old, predating the era of Selahedîn.

Elder residents like Apê Remzî recall the French Mandate era, noting that local men were conscripted into the French army or worked in their outposts from Ezaz to Cerablûs. The region saw resistance from local figures such as Çûlaq and Mihdînê Îbşo, who fought against French forces. The village school, which served five surrounding villages, was notably closed in 1958. Despite administrative name changes imposed by successive governments, the villagers have retained their original Kurmanji names for their homes and landmarks.

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bsZnaYoU4bE

The village of Elîcaro, which is also referred to by the Arabic name Ancaro, is located in the Çiyayê Kurmênc region within the administrative jurisdiction of Mabato. It is situated approximately 10 kilometers away from the town of Mabato. The settlement is relatively small and contains about 40 households. The social structure is described as very cohesive, with residents referring to one another as cousins and stating that there are no strangers among them.

The transcript identifies several specific families and households that make up the community. The video documentation was requested by Ciwan Ehmed Elî, who is associated with the house of Ebû Selah. Other specific households mentioned include the families of Mihemed Îbo and Mele Xelîl 'Ezîz, although the speakers note that these particular families were not present in the village at the time of filming. Historical continuity is evident in the architecture, with specific mention of the Hewşa Ebû Reşîdê Şêx and Hewşa Bavkê. One notable structure is referred to as Hewşa Kavlorê, where inscriptions date the construction or renovation to 1960 and 1977.

Daily life in Elîcaro revolves around agriculture, specifically olive farming. Residents such as Ebû Şadî have worked in the olive groves for decades, performing tasks like kesaẍê or pruning. The village relies on external sources for some provisions. There is no local bakery, so bread is brought in from Mabato or the nearby village of Hisêr. Water is managed through cisterns known as Birkê or delivered by trucks. The village contains a primary school, referred to as the Mekteb, which provides education for children up to the sixth grade.

The geography surrounding Elîcaro includes several neighboring villages and landmarks. Directly opposite lies the village of Berko, and nearby is the smaller hamlet of Me'serkê, which consists of about 20 households. Other neighboring locations include Indîdarê, Raco, Tirmîşa, Çoman, and Mayê. Within the village boundaries, there are remnants of the past, including a significant tree called Darê jiyê and ancient stone olive presses referred to as Deryûb or Gilê. The speakers also mention a ruined site called a Meqbez, which served as an old cemetery or religious site but is now in disrepair.