Şadêrê

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

The village of Şadêrê is located in the Efrîn region, situated strategically between the mountain of Çiyayê Lêlûnê and the fertile plain of Deşta Cûmê, near the ancient ruins of Kelha Semanê. The name Şadêrê is derived from Şahê Dêrê, which translates to King of the Church. The settlement has deep historical roots. Originally established as a temple during the Hurriyan period, it was later converted into a church during the Romaniyan era. Ancient remnants, including the church site known as Kenîse, old olive presses, and khans for merchants traveling to Heleb, are still visible throughout the area today.

The modern village was founded 750 to 800 years ago by an Êzîdî ancestor named Şeref. He had three sons named Eliyê Şeref, Mîrzayê Şeref, and Cimê Şeref. Today, the entire village is comprised of one large family lineage known as the Şereflera. Initially, all residents practiced the Êzîdî faith. However, about 80 years ago, due to commercial and cultural interactions with Arab populations from the Sêrê plain who were referred to locally as Tahten, a portion of the village converted to Misilman to facilitate trade and social relations. Other lineages, such as Male Cume Şeref, retained their Êzîdî faith. Despite this religious division, the Misilman and Êzîdî relatives live together in strong familial harmony, maintaining their unified identity.

The village has a proud history of autonomy and resistance. During the Osmaniyan period, a local leader named Xan Mîrze famously rejected a gift from the Ottoman Sultan, viewing the offering as a symbol of espionage and subjugation, a choice that cemented his legacy among his people. Oral tradition remains alive here, as elder residents recall old folktales and songs about historical figures like Cebel and Celîl, learning from past traveling singers such as Ebû Zekî and Dilsafo of the Berazî tribe.

Agriculture heavily shapes the village economy. Decades ago, Ermenî engineers introduced a water project connecting the Efrîn river to Şadêrê, Xezawiyê, and Bircê, allowing locals to cultivate rice and cotton. Later, villagers dug their own wells and shifted to orchards. Today, pomegranates make up 75 percent of the harvest, alongside apples and peaches, while olives are rare due to the salty soil. Arab workers, displaced from Cebel el His, now live alongside the Kurdish residents and assist with the fruit harvests.

Sacred sites hold great importance in the community. At the foot of Çiyayê Lêlûnê lies a shrine known as Şêx Riqab or Mar û Dêrûki. This revered cemetery serves seven surrounding villages, including Hemamê, Qefêr Zît, and Şêrê. Misilman residents visit the shrine on Fridays, while Êzîdî residents visit on Wednesdays, both seeking healing and fulfilled wishes. Women tie green cloths to the walls and apply the shrine earth to cure ailments. The village also features a 700 year old spring with descending stone stairs and a well known as bîra Eynab, alongside a subterranean water channel that reaches near the local mosque.

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=szUzE-ckRtM

The documentary provides an in depth exploration of the historic village of

Şadêrê in the Efrîn region. According to the village elder Ebu Îsmaîl,

the settlement is incredibly ancient, boasting a history that stretches back

approximately 1300 years. The village was originally founded by a man named

Şero, and the modern population largely descends from his lineage. The social

structure is built upon these generational ties. Ebu Îsmaîl explains that the

descendants of Şero divided into various family branches. One primary group

consists of the Şemê, Ezdîn, Seydî, Ûsî Hesen, and Ûsî Besê families.

Another branch includes the Eydîn, Omerkê, and Ebdî families, who are

closely related to the Ûsî Hebîbe family. Other notable households in the

village include the Şemo, Pêgênd, and Opgê families. The documentary

itself was filmed at the request of Elî Nasir, a member of the Şemo family,

alongside his relative Îsam.

The landscape around Şadêrê is defined by its abundant water sources and

ancient landmarks. The villagers rely on historical wells such as Bîrê Anabo

and the stepped stone well known as Bîrê Qenaba, which collect rainwater and

have served the community for generations. The village is also famous for its

main spring, Kaniya Şadêrê, a deep, clear water source containing large fish,

which flows steadily even during dry summers. Another spring mentioned by the

locals is Şoroyê. The natural environment is shaded by significant tree

groves, including Darên Îskoyê and the Darên Siriyê located on the hill

called Girê Ereb. A sacred site of great importance is Şikefta Ziyaretê, a

cave shrine that holds spiritual significance for the local residents.

Additional nearby locations include the area of Keperzît and the settlement of

Qeryet Besme. The host and residents note that the local roads connect

Şadêrê to surrounding hubs like Cindarêsê and Atme.

Throughout the documentary, the residents reflect on the passage of time and the

transformation of village life. An elderly woman recalls the hardships of the

past, describing how women used to bake bread over open fires and wash their

clothes by the spring, a stark contrast to modern conveniences and the pervasive

use of mobile phones today. Despite the challenges, the villagers express a deep

connection to their land. Local men discuss the economic potential of Efrîn,

actively encouraging the diaspora living in Libnan and Ewrûpa to invest in

their homeland. They suggest opening local businesses such as bakeries, dairy

farms, or cold storage facilities for fruit, rather than simply buying empty

properties. The community takes immense pride in their lush, unpolluted

environment, the historic ruins embedded in their fields, and the enduring

agricultural traditions that keep Şadêrê vibrant and self sustaining.