SORGUL ŞÊXO

Hesekê- Civilians always become the victims of alliances and agreements made by hegemonic powers all over the world, and they are deprived of many of their rights such as their right to education, housing, and life. We can define NE Syria, where many people from different ethnicities and religions live, as the small Middle East. All people living in NE Syria have united for the implementation of the Democratic Nation project, which embraces all religions and customs, and traditions without discrimination. All people can perform their holidays, feasts, and celebrations according to their traditions without facing any discrimination. The Revolution in Rojava, which spread across NE Syria, leads these changes. Despite the positive changes in the region, the attacks on the regions continue. Turkey and many armed factions such as Jabhat al-Nusra and ISIS continue to attack the region. In February 2015, ISIS carried out an operation in Til Temir and its villages with the support of Turkey. About eight Syriac Churches were bombed and dozens of schools were destroyed in the attacks on the villages. Due to the ongoing operations of Turkey in the region, the citizens have been trying to hold on to life in the schools destroyed in 2015. 

They take shelter in schools

According to the international conventions, hospitals, schools, civilian areas should not be targeted in clashes or conflicts. However, ISIS and Turkey continue to violate international conventions by targeting these places. The destroyed schools in NE Syria become shelters for displaced people. Zehra Mihemed Elo and her family had to leave their village Um El-Kef three years ago due to attacks of Turkey and Turkey-backed factions. They have lived in a destroyed school in the Til Nesri village of Til Temir since then. 

People live in the school with their animals

Zehra Mihemed Elo lives in the destroyed school with her four children, husband, and two families displaced from Elisha village. Before taking shelter in the school, they first built a part of the school by using mud and stones. The school is not a shelter for civilians but also for their animals. The people taking shelter in the school have to live with their animals. Despite all difficulties, Zehra Mihemed Elo shares her food with birds and pigeons. 

They left their village 3 years ago

Stating that their house was located near the road and was constantly bombed, Zehra Mihemed Elo said that they had to leave their house and village due to ongoing bombardments. “The Turkish state didn’t allow us to live in peace. I haven’t seen my village for a year due to ongoing bombardment. The last time I went to my village, I saw my destroyed house.”

Speaking about how they decided to live in the school, Zehra Mihemed Elo said, “After leaving our village, we went to Hesekê but we couldn’t find any place to live in. So we decided to live in this school. Last winter was very difficult for us because all walls of the school were destroyed. I miss my village. Can a fish lives without water? We cannot live without our lands.”

Children are deprived of their right to education

Emphasizing that her children have been left without a future due to the ongoing attacks, Zehra Mihemed Elo said, “All schools in this region are destroyed. We cannot send our children to school. Our children are deprived of their right to education. If we find an active school, we can live in tents. We want our children to have the education to have a better future.”