Me'mala

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AHx_io4SlBc

The village of Ma'mela, located in the Efrîn region of northwestern Syria, holds a reputation as one of the oldest settlements in the area. According to local oral history recounted by the elder Apê Biş, the village foundation dates back approximately one thousand years. The name Ma'mela is said to originate from the first settler, Ma'm. The historical narrative describes how early residents, including figures named Hemze and Hebîb, gathered their homes close together to create a defensible cluster against bandits and thieves.

The social structure of Ma'mela is defined by the Şêxo tribe. While the village is home to numerous distinct families, such as Mala Simo, Mala Cafer, Mala Îbiş, and Mala Heşoşo, the Şêxo tribal identity serves as a unifying umbrella. A significant historical landmark within the village is the Odeya Xelîl Ehmed Axa, a guest house and tribal court constructed around 1318 Hijri (approximately late 19th or early 20th century). This room served as the judicial and social center for the entire Şêxo tribe, extending its influence to surrounding areas like Meydanê and Kûsa. The room was architecturally designed with a high ceiling to compel those entering and sitting to maintain a posture of respect; sitting with legs crossed was strictly forbidden in the presence of elders.

Ma'mela is particularly renowned for its deep historical connection to olive cultivation. Residents claim it was the first location in the region to host olive presses (ma'ser). Historically, the village contained five active presses owned by prominent families such as Mala Şelfû, Mala Mihê Silo, and Mala Cemîl. Farmers from neighboring areas like Deşta Çaqala, Deşta Mistiko, and Erendê would travel to Ma'mela to process their harvest. The surrounding olive groves reportedly contain trees that are between two and three hundred years old.

The spiritual life of the village centers around a sacred site known as Ziyareta Îskender, also referred to as Ziyareta Meyremê. The site is named after a figure named Îskender, who is said to have died there while passing through from Beloy. The alternate name, Meyremê, stems from a local story involving a woman named Litfî whose daughter, Merem, was cured of illness after sleeping at the shrine. Today, the village maintains its communal spirit through modern institutions, including a clinic, a Heyva Sor center, and a weekly Sunday market established in 2014 to serve the local women and families who found it difficult to travel to the city of Efrîn.

The village of Me'mela is located in the Raco district of the Efrîn region. According to local elders, the settlement was established between 500 and 700 years ago. Its name derives from a man named Me'mo, who was among the very first to settle there. Originally, the inhabitants lived in locations called Derwê Me'mela and Emero before relocating to the current village site. An elder recounts a specific story about a man named Hesen from the Birîmê family who had a disagreement with his brother. Consequently, Hesen left and settled in an upper area known as Senîckulan. Eventually, others followed his path and populated the present day location of Me'mela.

The village was initially populated by early families such as Birîmê and Me'mo. Over time, other families including Ewlê, Elî Bedo, Ca'fer, Simo, Heşaşo, Dîk, and Zîbar established themselves in the area. Local history notes that Simo later moved away to live in Xelîlalka, while Ca'fer and Elî Bedo remained in Me'mela.

There are no specific shrines mentioned by the residents, but elders recall a historical stone structure in the village known as Firneh, which was traditionally used as a prison in older times. Water scarcity has always been a defining challenge for the settlement. Because the village is situated in a dry mountainous area with no natural springs, early residents had to dig deep cisterns by hand using pickaxes just to collect rainwater. Today, water is brought in from Meydankê or purchased by the tank. Due to these harsh agricultural conditions, men historically traveled to cities like Beyrût, Heleb, and Şam for work.

Me'mela is highly renowned for its extensive olive groves. In the past, residents cultivated wheat, barley, lentils, and vineyards, but the lack of water caused a complete shift to olive farming. Despite the tough environment, the village boasts a vibrant cultural life. A shepherd named Husên from the Dîk family preserves the ancient Kurdish musical tradition of playing the nay, an instrument traditionally crafted from apricot wood, and is passing the skill to his grandson in Cindirês. The village also places a strong emphasis on education, producing doctors and engineers who have traveled to places like Almanya to study and work. Furthermore, a local teacher named Mihemed Fariz established a traditional dance troupe named Buhar, which evolved from earlier groups called Rojava and Mabeta, ensuring that the youth keep their folklore alive. A local teacher and poet named Mehdîdîn also writes verses celebrating the beauty of the region and its famous olives.