SORGUL ŞÊXO

Hasekê – The licorice plant is an herbaceous perennial legume that grows in Syria, Egypt, and many regions of Asia and Europe. The licorice root is considered one of the world's oldest herbal remedies. A different type of licorice plant grows in the USA and it is used to make tea. There are 12 licorice roots having different 12 colors and flavors. Apart from its flavor, it has many health benefits. With the arrival of the spring, 50-year-old Diwêriya Xidir goes near Habur Riverbank to collect the licorice roots. Before being forcibly displaced, Diwêriya lived in the Tal Nesri village of Hasekê’s Tal Tamr town. Now, she lives with her family in Tal Nasri village.

“It is useful in treating many diseases”

Diwêriya began to talk about the benefits of the licorice roots while she was washing them after collecting them, “The licorice roots are good for many diseases. They generally grow near banks of rivers, streams, and wetland areas. If there is water, the roots grow. I dig the soul as much as I can to collect this plant, I get tired. If you look at my hands, you can see how I constantly dig. Its roots are very long. After collecting them, I sell them to the traders. A kilogram of the licorice root is 500 Syrian pounds. 20 years ago, I started collecting them to make a living. I raised my children in this way.”

“I go many cities to collect herbs”

“Every season, I collect different herbs,” Diwêriya said, adding, “I go everywhere to collect herbs. I go to Tal Tamr, Zerkan, Haseke, Qamishlo to collect them. Nothing can prevent me from collecting herbs except for illness because it is my job and I like my job. People do this job everywhere; the only difference between me and them is my age. I am 50 years old but I work like young people. My children help me and this makes me happier.”

“I will make licorice syrup”

Diwêriya will make licorice syrup for Ramadan for the first time, “After washing them, I will peel off them. I will add them to boiling water. Then, I will put it in the refrigerator. You don’t need to add any sugar because it is sweet.”

“I'm a strong woman working tirelessly”

Diwêriya told us that she will never give up being in nature and collecting herbs despite her age, adding, “I have to work. I have to move. I don’t feel alive when I don’t work or move. I’m a strong woman working tirelessly.”