Mîrka

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SM8rsva4AaQ

Located in the Mabeta district of the Çiyayê Kurmênc region in Efrîn, the village commonly known as Gundê Hisê (or Hisên) has a distinct tripartite naming history reflecting its origins. According to village elder Mihemed, the settlement was founded more than 350 years ago by an individual named Hemtat, who migrated from Sîncar (Sinjar) in Başûrê Kurdistanê. Upon his arrival, the site was initially associated with the Mîrkan tribe (referred to as "Eşîra Mîrko"), giving it its first name, Mîrka. Later, it became known as Hemtatu or Gundê Hemtatê in honor of the founder. Eventually, the name changed a third time to Gundê Hisê, named after Hisê, the son of Hemtat.

The social structure of the village is defined by six primary families (malbat): Mala Cefir, Mala Sînê, Mala Hemolîk, Mala Hemtat, Mala Goro, and Mala Gênco. Today, the village comprises approximately 350 households. It serves as a strategic economic hub for the surrounding area, particularly after the establishment of a local Tuesday market (Bazar) following the declaration of Democratic Autonomy. This market serves as a commercial center for roughly 15 to 20 nearby villages, including Sotiya, Selo, and Xozana.

Economically, Gundê Hisê is renowned for its agriculture, specifically olive and sumac production. The head of the village council notes that unique olive varieties grow here, such as Zeytûnê Kêlo, Xelxalî, and the oil-rich Zeytûnê Zêtî. The village is a powerhouse for sumac, producing an estimated two-thirds (over 250 tons) of the total sumac yield in the Efrîn region. They formerly maintained trade relations with merchants in Jordan, Lebanon, and Turkey.

A vital historical landmark is Bîra gundê Husê (The well of Hisê village). Elders believe this well pre-dates the village itself and was the primary reason for the settlement's location ("the village was composed upon the water"). Historically, a Darik çinarê (plane tree) stood to the west of this well. While the village once had many springs and high water tables, residents note that water levels have fluctuated with rainfall in recent years.

The village has a rich cultural legacy. Henîfe Silêman, a resident and one of the first female teachers in the region, recounts graduating from Dar el-Mu'alimat in 1958 and overcoming social taboos against female education. She also shares memories of meeting the Kurdish intellectual Nûredîn Zaza and his wife Ferîde Riza in Heleb. The village is also home to the music group Koma Şehîd Viyan, formed to honor the village's martyrs. The group dedicates their songs to the 13 martyrs ("Şehîd") from Gundê Hisê, listing names such as Cemşîd, Hemze, Welat, Sîpan, and Delîl in their lyrics.

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bk6IBqmysM

The village of Gundê Hisên, also widely known as Gundê Mîrkan or Gundê Bazarê, serves as a significant historical and economic hub within the Mabeta district of the Efrîn region. According to the oral history provided by village elder Apê Mihemed, the settlement was founded approximately 350 years ago. The founder, a man named Hemtato (or Hemtat), migrated to the area from Sîncar (Sinjar) in Southern Kurdistan. Upon arrival, Hemtato encountered an indigenous inhabitant (described as "yerli") named Tat. The village was initially known as Hemtato, but the name eventually evolved to Gundê Hisên in honor of Hemtato's son, His (or Lêw).

The social structure of the village is rooted in the Mîrkan (or Mîrko) tribe, to which the founders belonged. Over the centuries, the population grew to include approximately 350 households. The primary lineages that constitute the village society include Malê Cepiro, Malê Sînê, Malê Hemalîkê, Malê Hemtatê, Malê Guro, and Malê Gênco. Additionally, the Malê Kêlo family is mentioned in the context of agriculture, specifically regarding a unique local olive variety.

Economically, Gundê Hisên is distinct from surrounding settlements due to its vibrant weekly market, the Bazar, held every Tuesday. Established by the local council following the implementation of the Democratic Autonomy administration, this market serves as a strategic commercial center for neighboring villages such as Selo, Xozana, and Hec Qasima, allowing residents to trade without traveling to the distant city of Efrîn. The village is renowned for its agriculture, particularly olive cultivation. A rare olive variety known as Zeytûnê Malê Kêlo, characterized by large pits and small leaves, is native to the village. The area also produces Zeytûnê Zêtî, Xelûb, and Xelxalî olives, alongside fruits like cherries, apples, and pears. Historically, the village was a major center for sumac (Simaq) trade, with merchants maintaining direct trade routes to Dera, Jordan, Lebanon, and Turkey.

Culturally, the village has been home to notable figures such as Henîfa Silêman, who became a teacher in 1958 and is also a painter. She recounts the history of education in the region, mentioning Necah Mihemed Axa as the first female teacher before her. Henîfa Silêman also describes her interactions with the artist Nûredîn Dêrsim and his wife Ferîde Riza in Heleb. The village preserves traditional craftsmanship, with women like Henîfa Silêman maintaining the art of weaving items such as Berr (thin rugs), Xalîçe (carpets), Bercade (prayer rugs), and Melez (mixed cotton and wool fabric) using natural dyes and traditional tools like the Teşî (spindle).

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=newxSpN-wwk

The village featured in this documentary is a prominent settlement in the Afrin region, identified by multiple names depending on the speaker and historical context. While formally known as Mêrkan, the local residents frequently refer to it as Gundê Hisê. An elder notes that the village has three or four names, including Amîrî, and points out that Ereb (Arab) neighbors historically called the village Hemto to. Situated near the junction of Birîmce, the village sits on elevated terrain described by residents as having a "paradise-like" nature, abundant with almond trees and greenery.

The history of Mêrkan spans several centuries. According to a village elder, the settlement has existed for approximately 300 to 400 years. The physical footprint of the village has expanded significantly over time. One resident points out a specific pomegranate tree, Darê Hinarê, noting that 50 years ago, there were no houses beyond that point, and the lower area was merely ruins (Xirbê me) or fields. Today, the village has grown to include those areas. The village preserves its historical architecture, with mention of an old mosque (Camîya kevn) and an old cemetery containing the grave of an ancestor named Hec Selîm.

Socially, the village is described as a tight-knit and highly educated community. The residents mention that while many villagers have emigrated to Europe, those remaining maintain strong bonds. The village prides itself on its emphasis on education and culture, having produced numerous doctors and graduates. Specific households mentioned during the visit include the families of Ebû Kawa, Ebû Ciwan, and Hec Emîr. The host visits the home of Mihemed Xelîl Ebû Kawa, where he speaks with a 93-year-old matriarch, emphasizing the community's respect for their elders.

The geography surrounding Mêrkan is defined by specific local landmarks visible from the village. The residents point out neighboring locations such as Şîtka and Koxrê. To the east, the road leads toward Mabata and Dargirê. Notable terrain features include the mountains of Hec Hesna and a famous hill or spot known as Vêla Sînemê. The village is also situated near Kefer Delemê and Maratê, placing it firmly within a network of well-known settlements in the region.

The documentary provides a deep historical and cultural look at the village of Hesê, officially known as Mîrkan, located in the Mabeta district of the Çiyayê Kurmênc region. The village was founded around 400 to 500 years ago by members of the Behdînî tribe. The very first settler was Sîno along with his son Mîrko. The official name Mîrkan was derived from Mîrko. Later, the Arab state renamed the village Emîriyê. However, the local people call it Hesê in honor of Hes, the son of Hemtet, who became a prominent local leader.

Initially, the village consisted of just three families: Sîno, Hemalîk, and Hemtet. While the Sîno and Hemalîk lineages remained mostly unchanged, the Hemtet family arrived from the Sefîrê area near Til Elem and Til Ern. Over time, the Hemtet lineage branched into several families, including Elîk, Gelerî, Hesîko, Ebdî, and Hanan. Around 150 years ago, the Genço family, also known as Çapira, arrived and integrated into the community. Other residents migrated from Kurdistana Bakur in Tirkiyê and areas below Şêxorzê to escape difficult living conditions, drawn to the village by its abundant springs, pristine nature, and fertile land.

The village is celebrated for its exceptional sumac, which grows naturally on the hillsides and relies solely on rainfall. This sumac is distinctively tart and highly prized, regularly bought by merchants and exported to Urdun and Libnan. Residents also cultivate olives, walnuts, and pomegranates. Historically, the village had an ancient Roman well surrounded by trees, which provided water for the entire community until it was sealed with cement about fifteen years ago. The village features historical architecture, including an old bakery, a ruined mill, a mosque, and a school building that is over 150 years old.

A defining characteristic of Hesê is its strong dedication to education, largely supported by enlightened community leaders like Îbrahîm Nasan, who served as the Mufti of Efrîn, and Mihemed Efendî. They actively encouraged both boys and girls to study. Because of this progressive mindset, the village produced the first female teacher in the entire Efrîn region, Anse Necah Silêman, followed by Anse Henîfe. Furthermore, Lîwa Nasan, the daughter of the Mufti, became the first female civil engineer in Çiyayê Kurmênc. Before the village established its own formal school in 1952, students traveled to nearby villages like Birîmca and Koxrê. Eventually, Hesê became an educational hub, hosting the preparatory school for surrounding villages such as Qeleme, Çolaqa, and Çomazan.

Elders recall a time when life was physically demanding but highly communal. Women managed heavy labor like gathering firewood, baking bread on wooden boards, and washing clothes with a plant called ore before soap became widely available. Social bonds were exceptionally tight, especially during weddings, where the bride and groom had separate henna ceremonies. The community celebrated marriages with large feasts, sharing traditional foods like keşk made from cracked wheat and yogurt. Hunting is also a notable tradition for some men, who travel to areas like Çiyayê Hawar, Meydan, and Ezaz to hunt partridges and hares during specific seasons.