“Spring of Love” Festival in Şırnak Celebrated with Enthusiasm
The cave village of İdil district in Şırnak was filled with joy and celebration as the Yazidis gathered to mark the traditional ‘Çarşema ask’ Feast. This celebration holds great cultural significance for the Yazidi community, especially in the wake of years of turmoil caused by attacks from the terrorist organization PKK in the 1980s and 1990s.
The village, also known as the 99-digit cave village, had been left abandoned due to the violence, but now, after a period of peace, residents have returned to their homes. The ‘Çarşema ask’ Feast was a symbol of this return to normalcy, with Yazidis from Idil, Midyat district in Mardin, and even from Europe coming together to celebrate.
As part of the festivities, a Community Center was opened in the village, symbolizing the revival of community life. Guests were treated to colored eggs and meals, traditional clothes were worn, and prayers were offered at the graves of sheikhs and their families. Visitors tied cloths to trees and tombs in the cemetery, hoping for their wishes to come true.
Idil Adıgüzel, a participant in the celebration, expressed her pride in the festival and thanked the governor for investing in the village. She emphasized the importance of unity and peace in the community.
Hamdi Aslan, who traveled from Germany to join the celebration, shared his tradition of visiting the village every year to pay respects to the deceased and make wishes. This pilgrimage-like tradition is cherished by many Yazidis, who come together to celebrate and connect with their cultural roots.
The village headman, Necat Akçay, stressed the importance of the state’s presence in ensuring the well-being of the community. He called for unity and wished everyone a joyous feast.
Emin Akman from Midyat reflected on the significance of the ‘Çarşema ask’ Feast in Ezidilik belief, noting its connection to the creation of the universe and the arrival of spring. This day is seen as a time of renewal and celebration, bringing people together to rejoice and embrace their traditions.
Behçet Güler from Germany described the cultural and religious traditions observed during the feast, such as tying ropes to hands, distributing food, and wearing special attire. These practices are deeply rooted in the Yazidi culture and hold great significance for the community.
Overall, the ‘Çarşema ask’ Feast in the cave village of İdil was a time of celebration, reflection, and unity for the Yazidis, marking a new chapter of peace and prosperity in the village.
