Eltaniya

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fnTn8hIYvhQ

The village of Altaniya (also referred to as Altunya) is situated on the high elevations of Çiyayê Çoxlo in the Reco district of the Afrin region. The village’s name carries a distinct local etymology: it was originally founded by a man named Elî who came from the East. Because Elî had blue eyes, the locals referred to him as Altone, a nickname that eventually evolved into the village name Altaniya. The modern iteration of the village was established around 1923, following migrations and land purchases that replaced the earlier inhabitants.

The settlement history is marked by conflict and displacement during the French Mandate era. Initially, two families from Bilîlko—Mala Bilîlûtkê and Mala Mistûko—settled the area. However, Mala Mistûko engaged in heavy fighting against the French forces (Frensis), leading to the shelling of the village and the death or dispersal of the family members. Survivors fled to Çeqmaqê. Subsequently, Heyderê Sêlix, originally from the village of Atmana (via Memola), purchased the ruins and re-established the village. Today, the population consists of approximately 80 households, primarily belonging to the Şêxiyan tribe, divided into two main families: Mala Sêlix and Mala Guldînê.

Altaniya is known for its self-sufficient agricultural lifestyle and strong social cohesion. Villagers produce olives, cheese, yogurt, and jams, priding themselves on not being dependent on outsiders. Socially, the village historically maintained a tradition where elders like Pîrê Heyder facilitated communal meals during Eid, though this has evolved into modern committees ("komîn") named after local martyrs like Şehîd Fedakar. The village also preserves specific traditional skills; Adnan Altun continues the legacy of the late Wuskê Sêleh as a traditional healer and bone-setter, using natural remedies made from pine sap (benîştê merxê) and herbs. Additionally, there is a lingering culture of partridge (kew) hunting and trading, maintained by residents like Hesenê Topal.

Geographically, the village commands a high vantage point near the border of Bakurê Kurdistan. It is surrounded by notable landmarks such as the mountain Çiyayê Gawir, the valley Geliyê Zîvî, and the spring Kaniya Şîn. The harsh winters bring snow, while the springs attract visitors for picnics during the New Year (Newroz) and holidays. Despite migrations to Aleppo and Afrin, many families returned to Altaniya during the recent conflicts, reinforcing their attachment to their ancestral land.

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qi2YN-Py3VY

The documentary provides a vivid visual and social tour of Eltaniya, also referred to as Altonya, a village situated in the Raco district of the Afrin region. Perched at a high altitude within the mountains, the village is defined by its commanding views and rugged geography. The host repeatedly emphasizes the elevation and the beauty of the landscape, comparing the scenery to Lebanon or Europe due to the presence of oak trees and the lush environment. From the village vantage points, one can see across to Deşta Tirkiyê and landmarks such as Qerebaba, Yûlçate, and the plain of Mîdan Mekbeze.

The social structure of Eltaniya is described as a community of approximately sixty to sixty five households. During the tour, the host visits the home of the village headman, identified as the family of Elî Saleh. Another specific household mentioned is that of Ebdalo, whose roof provides a panoramic observation point for the surrounding valleys. The transcript also briefly notes a location or resident named Hecemo. While no specific tribal confederations are explicitly named, the village maintains close ties with neighboring settlements. The host points out the proximity to Gundê Hec Xelîl, Hemze Tado, and a village in the valley identified as Xeraba ba.

Daily life in Eltaniya revolves around agriculture and the natural bounty of the mountains. The residents are shown engaged in the olive harvest, which is a primary economic activity. Beyond olives, the villagers forage for wild resources such as pêncar and mushrooms known as kivark. In a candid interaction with an elderly woman, the documentary highlights the traditional aspects of food preparation, although she notes that they now use gas stoves rather than wood fires for cooking due to the scarcity of dry firewood.

Migration is a significant theme in the narrative. The host observes that at least twenty young people from the village have emigrated to Europe. He suggests that these expatriates could invest back into the community by funding small projects like sewing workshops or poultry farms to support the remaining families, particularly the orphans and the poor. Despite these changes, the village retains a strong sense of identity rooted in its high mountain location, with the host praising the fresh air and the peaceful distance from the pollution of the cities. The tour concludes with views of Çiyayê Gewr and the deep valleys that characterize this part of the Çiyayê Kurmênc region.