Metîna

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5LIh3GKG5ns

The village of Metîna, located in the Şera district of Efrîn, holds a history deeply rooted in migration and adaptation to the arid landscape of Çiyayê Kurmênc. According to local elders, the village was founded approximately 300 years ago, a timeline estimated as "six fathers" or generations back. The village derives its name from the Metîna tribe, specifically a first settler named Metînî. However, speakers note that no actual members of the Metîna tribe currently reside there; the name remains a legacy of that initial founding figure who migrated from Bakur (North Kurdistan), potentially linked to Çiyayê Metîn and the village of Şeş.

Originally, the settlement was located in a low-lying plain known as Deşta Avgîrê (The Plain of the Water-Holder/Swamp), near Xirabê Şera. Due to the damp conditions, the ancestors moved the village to its current, higher location. The population is a mosaic of different tribes that arrived over the centuries. The Reşî tribe, including the prominent Mala Selmo (the first family to build houses in the new location), migrated from Çiyayê Reş near Nizib and Entab. Other inhabitants include the Sorikî from Celemê, the Neîmî (who are of Arab origin) from Şwarxanê, and the Caferî tribe, specifically the Mala Cebûlî, who originated from Sînkan or Şingal. The Mala Mestê family represents the Koçer (nomadic) segment, while the Mala Elî Pîro family has lost the knowledge of their specific tribal origins.

Water scarcity defined the village's early history. Lacking natural springs, the villagers were forced to fetch water from Meşalê or Deşta Avgîrê. To survive, the community collectively hand-dug extensive cisterns, known as sarnîc, over 120 years ago. Notable cisterns include those of Hec Nebo, Mala Selmo, and Mala Ebû 'Alo. These structures captured rainwater channeled through trenches dug from the surrounding hills.

The village is surrounded by significant religious and historical landmarks. To the west lies Goristana Şehîd Refîq, a martyrs' cemetery established in 2011 on the site of an older shrine, Ziyaretgeha Şêx Ûsib. To the south is Ziyaretgeha Henên, a major site containing the tombs of notable Kurdish figures such as Nûrî Dêrsimî and Cemîl Horo. The village also contains ancient ruins, including traces of four mehsere (olive presses) and numerous caves (şikeft or ziving) that were once attached to every household. Today, one such cave is used by the artisan Ebû Elî (born Îbrahîm Xelîl Mihemed), who carves stone tools and creates art. While the primary economy relies on Zeytûn (olive) cultivation, the village is also known for a high concentration of mechanics and lathe operators.

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5iJilStcO2Y

The village of Metîna, located in the Şera district of Efrîn, holds a history deeply rooted in migration and adaptation. According to local oral history, the village was founded approximately 300 years ago, estimated by elders as "six fathers" (generations) back. Its name is derived from the Metîna tribe, specifically an individual named Metînî who was the first to settle there. The tribe originates from Çiyayê Metîn in Bakurê Kurdistanê, a mountain described as having grey soil and a cold water source named Lîlav. Although the original Metînî settlers eventually moved on or vanished, the name remained. The village was initially located in the Deşta Avgîrê, a low-lying, swampy plain, before residents moved to the current elevated location to escape the standing water.

The social fabric of Metîna is diverse, composed of various tribes and families who arrived from different regions. The first family to settle after the founder was Nebê Reşê. A significant portion of the population belongs to the Reşî tribe, including the prominent Selmo and Kekeca families, who migrated from Çiyayê Reş near Nizib and Entab. Other inhabitants include the Ne'imî (specifically the Ebû Elo family of Arab origin), the Cafirî (such as the Cebûlî family from Sînka), as well as members of the Şikakî, Sûrkî, Şêran, and Koçer tribes. The Mestê family is identified as Koçer. Some families, like Sûkê, moved to Metîna from nearby Qestelê.

Geographically, Metîna is surrounded by significant religious and historical landmarks. To the east lies Qeraca and Ziyaretgeha Menên; to the south is the village of Meşalê and Ziyaretgeha Henên; and to the west is Ziyaretgeha Şêx Ûsib, which has been converted into a cemetery for martyrs known as Goristana Şehîd Refîq. Ziyaretgeha Henên is particularly notable as an ancient site containing the graves of Kurdish intellectuals Nûrî Dêrsimî and Cemîl Horo, and is traditionally associated with Henanê, believed to be a brother of the prophet Dawûd, with traces of Jewish history symbolized by triangular tree formations.

Historically, water scarcity was a major challenge for Metîna. Residents relied on rainwater harvesting through hand-dug cisterns known as Sarnînc. Notable cisterns include those dug by Hec Nebo and Hec Elî Cebûrî. Before modern plumbing, villagers had to fetch water from Meşalê or rely on the Deşta Avgîrê. The village is also known for its olive groves, which remain the primary agricultural staple. A unique resident featured in the documentary is Ibrahîm Xelîl Mihemed, known as Ebû Elî, a craftsman who lives and works in a cave (Şikeft), creating tools and "antiques" by hand without modern machinery, embodying the village's tradition of self-reliance.

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YRqH8EXrVgc

The village of Metîna is located in the Efrîn region. According to the village Mukhtar, Mihemed Mihemed (known as Bavê Azad), the settlement owes its name to Çiyayê Metîna (Mount Metina) in Kurdistan. The village was founded approximately 225 to 250 years ago. Before the village was established, the area was an uninhabited wilderness.

The history of Metîna begins with settlers who did not initially construct houses. The first arrivals, belonging to Malê Selmo, lived in a cave (şikeft) located below the current village site, near the road to the city. They were later joined in this cave by Malê Nebê, the family of the current Mukhtar. Eventually, the settlers moved out of the cave to build the village proper. Two brothers, Selmo and 'Emo, along with Malê Nebê, constructed three houses arranged in a triangle (mûseles) or "three-cornered" layout. They enclosed this area with a single courtyard (hewş) to protect their livestock. Over time, the village population grew with the arrival of people from other locations, such as Sînka.

The agricultural landscape of Metîna has shifted significantly over time. Historically, the villagers cultivated grains and legumes, including wheat (genim), lentils (nîsk), chickpeas (nok), and vetch (julban). Today, the land is almost entirely dominated by olive trees (zeytûn). Recently, farmers have begun diversifying with cash crops such as coriander (kizber), cumin (kemûn), nigella (reşreşk), and safflower ('esfir). The village relies on groundwater, possessing approximately 40 private wells inside homes and about 10 communal wells. There is an old mosque in the village, which Bavê Azad notes has stood for about 75 years.

The social life of Metîna is depicted through the experiences of its elders. Bavê Hesen (Nûrî Hesen), a contemporary of the Mukhtar, reflects on the past, noting that while life was physically harder (cefo) in the old days, there was a stronger sense of respect and understanding among people compared to the present. The documentary also features Yûsiv Hec Ebdo (known as Ebû Firas) and his wife Feyroz. While Feyroz is originally from Efrîn city, Ebû Firas is a native of Metîna who spent decades living and working in Latqiyê and Heleb. They returned to the village due to the war in Syria. Their story highlights the dispersion of families, as they send greetings to their children living abroad in the United States.

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XbBQaRu72J8

The documentary explores the village of Mêtîna in the Efrîn region. The hosts begin their journey at the bridge below Meydankê, observing the heavy water flow and fish before heading into the village to visit residents.

An elder explains the origins of Mêtîna. He notes that the village was founded roughly 250 to 300 years ago when the Selmo family first arrived and settled in the area. Before they built houses, the early inhabitants lived in the ancient caves that dot the landscape. The elder explains that the area was originally a wilderness but was chosen for its excellent summer pastures. The village was named after Mêtîna, another village in Kurdistan. People used to say to bring their guests to the people of Mêtîna because it was lush, green, and beautiful like a paradise.

Today, the village consists of about 120 to 130 houses. The community is made up of several prominent families, including the Ebû Elo, Raşê, Cebûlo, Kurik, Hec Ebdo, Kerbelêk, and Reşîd families. Many residents have migrated abroad to countries like Tirkiye, Elmanya, and Emerîka, leaving some homes empty.

The village is notable for its historic caves. The elder explains that almost every house has a cave underneath or nearby. These caves date back to ancient times, with the elder attributing their original excavation to the Fîniqiyîn. Over the centuries, villagers used these carved spaces to shelter livestock like cattle, mules, and sheep, or to store firewood for the winter. The village architecture is characterized by beautiful stone courtyards and lush greenery.

Mêtîna offers sweeping views of the surrounding geography. From the village, one can see the mountains of Çiyayê Bilbilê, the snow capped peaks of Çiyayê Kawir, Çiyayê Hawarê, and even the distant Toros and Hemanos ranges. Other nearby landmarks mentioned include the ruins of Xirabê Şaro and neighboring villages like Şorbe, Gobelek, Şera, and Etr. A traditional song played during the documentary also references regional landmarks such as Çemê Meydankê, Gola Meydankê, Çemê Gemrokê, and Çiyayê Lêlûnê.

The documentary captures the resilient and hospitable spirit of the villagers. Residents are proud of their clean and secure environment, noting improvements in local infrastructure like electricity and water. They send warm greetings to their relatives abroad, to the Kurmanc people, and across all four parts of Kurdistan, hoping for future reunions in their beautiful village.

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THE VILLAGE OF METÎNA

Friday 23. 12. 2016

The village of Metîna is affiliated with the Şera district of the Efrînê canton, located 2 km from the town of Şera and 15 km northeast of the city of Efrînê.

The first person to settle in the village of Metîna was known by the name ((Metînî)), and he himself was one of the Metîna tribe, but no one remained after him, meaning he did not continue in the village. Therefore, the name Metîna was given to the village.

The village was previously on the ((Avgîrê)) plain, which is to the west of the village of Xirabê Şera. The family of Nebê Reşê was the first

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family to settle in the village after Metînî. The people who settled in the village were from many tribes, among them: the Sorkî tribe from Celemê, the Reşî from the Reşa mountain, the Ni’êmî who are originally Arabs from Şiwarxe, and the Cafirî from Sînka.

Initially, 3 families built houses in the village, they are: the family of Selmo, Kurik, and Nebê.

To the east of the village are Selma's garage, the village of Qitmê, and the Menên shrine; to the south are the village of Meşalê and the Henên shrine; to the west is the Şêx Ûsib shrine, which has now become the martyrs' cemetery named Goristana Şehîd Refîq; to the north are the villages of Xirabê Şera, Gabeleka, and the Avgîrê plain.

The Henên Shrine: it is a large and ancient cemetery. The graves of many famous people are there, such as Nûrî Dêrsimî, Cemîl Horo, ... Its name comes from ((Henano)), which is mentioned in the holy book of the Torah, where Henano was the brother of the prophet David. Therefore, the six-pointed star, which is a symbol of the Jews, appeared on some graves.

The Cemetery of Ş. Refîq: it used to be a shrine, but in 2011 it became the martyrs' cemetery named Ş. Refîq, and to this day, more than (1500) martyrs from Kurds and Arabs who gave their lives in the war and resistance in Rojava and Syria have been buried there.

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The people of the village make their living from agriculture, primarily from the cultivation of olive groves. Some people also work in various factories in the town of Şera and the city of Efrînê. About 25 people work as employees in the institutions and bodies of the Democratic Autonomous Administration.

DRINKING WATER STATION: it has been operating since 2008 for the purification and distribution of drinking water to the cities of Efrîn and Ezazê and the surrounding villages, and about 10 people from the village of Metîna work there. Twice a week, it sends drinking water to the residents.

More than 150 houses and nearly 2000 people live in the village of Metîna, but now many people have migrated.

There are 12 families in the village:

The family of Nebê, Reşê, Kurik, Cebûlî, Hemê, Korlemê, Selmo, Kerbelaş, Ebû Elo, Hec Ebdo, Elî Pîro, and the family of Şêx Hem.

There are 6 martyrs from the village:

Martyr Çîlo, Hisên, Henan, Serbest, Şiyar, and Ş. Azad.

There is a primary school for educating the village children and a mosque in the village. The village commune is named Ş. Serbest, and the village school is also named Ş. Serbest.

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Reşîdê Hec Nebo is one of the revolutionaries who, along with Mistefa Çolaq and Ehmedê Rûtê, carried out many activities and battles against the French. He was martyred in an activity, and his body was buried at the Henên shrine.