ROJ HOZAN

Qamishlo- Women, who have a life away from the hustle and bustle of cities, wake up with the sunrise, integrate with nature and have a peaceful and quiet life. 50-year-old Fatime Mehmûd, who lives in the Qamishlo city of North and East Syria, is one of these women. She has turned her house into a flower garden while taking part in the activities of Kongra Star, the umbrella organization of all Kurdish women’s organizations in North and East Syria.

She has been engaged in farming since her childhood and she loves to prepare and cultivate the land. “I turn every place into a flower garden. Flowers are like my children. Whenever I return home, I first water and clean my flowers. I know the names of all flowers and when I should plant them. Whenever I find an empty can, I plant flowers in it. Flowers make me feel peaceful and I spend all my time in the garden. My friends and neighbors always ask me how I can take care of so many flowers. My love for flowers is endless. That is why my flowers are beautiful and bright. Flowers can be planted everywhere. When they grow, life is reborn.”

 She stays in touch with nature

Fatime Mehmûd has become a role model for the people around her. “I plant flowers everywhere. My neighbors always tell me that the flowers planted by me are beautiful and grow fast. My children and friends tell me, ‘You left no place without flowers’. Everywhere becomes beautiful with flowers. I provide the seeds of the flowers that I will plant from the previous year. I start to plant them in March. I love staying in touch with nature.”

She will rebuild life in nature

 Speaking about the activities of the Kongra Star, she said, “Now, I am the spokesperson of the Kongra Star in the Cudi neighborhood. I fulfill my duties by taking part in the activities of the Kongra Star. I talk to women about why nature must be protected. Because women are the protectors of nature. We want to rebuild a life in nature by carrying out awareness-raising activities.”