Zirenîtê

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=59fBqC2SC24

The village of Zernêîtê (also referred to as Zirnaîtê) is located in the Şêrawa region of Efrîn, situated upon Çiyayê Lêlûn. While the village is geographically and culturally integrated into the Kurdish landscapes. Its residents speak Kurmanji and wear the traditional black dress characteristic of Şêrawa. Its origins are distinct. According to the elder Apê Îbrahîm, the village was founded approximately 200 years ago by five brothers from the Usûsî tribe (specifically the Awn lineage). These founders were originally Arabs from Sirîn. Their migration path took them through Deşta Cûmê and the eastern plains, stopping in locations such as Minx, Pişta Arê, Timb, and Aqîb, before they eventually purchased the land for Zernêîtê from the people of Kurzêl. Over the last two centuries, the Usûsî settlers became completely "Kurdified" (bûne Kurd), adopting the language and customs of their neighbors.

Historically, the village was known as Zinarê Rûyt, meaning "Naked Cliff," or Zênarîş. A defining feature of the village's architectural history is the Qop (or Qube), traditional conical domed houses built from stone and clay. In the past, the village consisted almost entirely of these structures, and families lived communally within them. Residents like Mihemed and Xaltîka Fatma describe a time when extended families, sometimes including multiple married couples, shared a single Qube, using curtains to separate sleeping quarters. The Metkê and Qamber families are specifically mentioned in relation to these traditional living arrangements. The largest Qop historically served as the guesthouse (odê) and was associated with the late elder Elî Hesen, who was a central figure in resolving social disputes.

Culturally, Zernêîtê is a repository of traditional arts and knowledge. The village is known for its singers (dengbêj), most notably the late Hesenê Dengbêj. His son, Apê Ehmed, continues this oral tradition, reciting epics such as "Genc Osman," though he notes that he is the last of his family to do so. The village is also a hub for traditional medicine; Apê Hesen and his wife Xaltîka Eyş (of the Naso family) are renowned for preparing Mêrstone, also known locally as Hebba Salê or Hebba Helebê. This herbal paste, made from burnt wheat oil and other ingredients, is used to treat boils and burns.

Economically, the villagers engage in agriculture and beekeeping. Beekeepers like Kekê Brahîm manage dozens of hives, a trade learned from the teacher Merwan Bereket. They practice migratory beekeeping, moving their hives to areas like Tiliqro and Ehrez when possible. However, the community faces significant difficulties due to the conflict in the region. Residents report that much of their agricultural land is currently inaccessible due to the control of the "Turkish state and mercenaries" (Dewleta Tirk and Çeteyan), limiting their ability to farm. Despite these challenges, the people of Zernêîtê remain deeply connected to their identity as residents of Çiyayê Lêlûn.