SORGUL ŞÊXO

Hesekê – There are many historical places to visit and hidden stories waiting to be discovered in north-eastern Syria regions. Mount Kizwan, located in the Cizre region, is also a place where many travelers and local people can relax and learn the history of the region. The tree next to a spring in the east of the village of Xera is very important for the people of the region. Every day, many people visit the tree called “Dara Keçikê (The Girl’s Tree)” to drink water from the spring and make a wish. 60-year-old Meryem El-Hesen told us the story of the tree.

“Mount Kizwan is my shelter”

Stating that people living on Mount Kizwan make a living from animal husbandry, Meryem El-Hesen said, “Mount Kizwan is a shelter for me and my children. We make a living from animal husbandry. We have many springs here for us and for our animals.”

“This tree was a young woman…”

Speaking about the tree in the Xera village, Meryem El-Hesen said, “This tree has been here since the time of our grandparents. It is said that there is a spring under this tree. My grandmother told me that this tree was a young woman when there was a war on Mount Kizwan during the Jewish era. I was told that the woman prayed to God turn her into a tree in order to not be raped by Jewish soldiers. God heard her wish and accepted her wish. The woman was turned into a tree and a spring was formed next to it. This tree has been here for hundreds of years.”

Many people visit the tree to make a wish

Stating that people and animals drink water of the spring, Meryem El-Hesen said, “The shepherds and their animals drink this water. Most families take water from the spring to water their gardens. Many people from the Cizre region and other regions visit the tree to make a wish. They bring something with them and give them to the children in the village. Children become happy when they receive something from the visitors. But less people have visited the tree for six years due to the war. People tie bits of cloth or string to the branches in order to make a wish. I protect this tree. I don't allow the children to throw stones at it. Everyone should visit this tree.”