Captures of a Return

37 years spent wandering, longing, and yearning. My father, who fought so passionately for his land, was forced to leave for the same reason, and to stay at an unbearable distance for 37 years. Lost all those who meant the most to him. When he decided it was finally time to make that return, nerves and excitement took over all at once. Disbelief that in less than a month he would walk on the soil, and climb the mountains of the land that he so cherished.

It was a breathtaking and unforgettable experience. Seeing all the incredible sights and excavations. Knowing that despite the oppressive red flag waving atop every treasured city, it was ours. Experiencing the incomparable reunion between brothers. To love and laugh with the children that are the true fruit of our land, and to experience the warmth of our people. All you could feel was peace and serenity, looking down at the top of those mountains. I hope that these captures give a brief glimpse of what I saw, and the beauty of our home and people.

Photos by: Shilan Keskin

Wan Fortress/ Castle. Built 9th to 7th century BCWan Fortress/ Castle. Built 9th to 7th century BC

 

Wan Fortress/ Castle overlooking the ‘modern city’Wan Fortress/ Castle overlooking the ‘modern city’

 

Wan Fortress/ Castle overlooking the Wan LakeWan Fortress/ Castle overlooking the Wan Lake

 

Gobekli Tepe/ Xirab Reşk, Urfa. World’s first temple, and sign of the rise of civilization – 10th millennium BCGobekli Tepe/ Xirab Reşk, Urfa. World’s first temple, and sign of the rise of civilization – 10th millennium BC

 

Gobekli Tepe/ Xirab Reşk, Urfa. World’s first temple, and sign of the rise of civilization – 10th millennium BC – 10th millennium BCGobekli Tepe/ Xirab Reşk, Urfa. World’s first temple, and sign of the rise of civilization – 10th millennium BC

 

6- Fields and laborers of Tutax, AgirîFields and laborers of Tutax, Agirî

 

Three generations – Tutax, AgirîThree generations – Tutax, Agirî

 

Mount Nemrut. Royal tomb from 1st century BCMount Nemrut. Royal tomb from 1st century BC

 

Mount Nemrut. Royal tomb from 1st century BCMount Nemrut. Royal tomb from 1st century BC

 

Mount Nemrut. Royal tomb from 1st century BCMount Nemrut. Royal tomb from 1st century BC

 

Gundê Fîz, Lice. The room Serok Abdullah Ocalan/Apo and 23 others founded PKK in. 1978.Gundê Fîz, Lice. The room Serok Abdullah Ocalan/Apo and 23 others founded PKK in. 1978.

 

Agirî plateauAgirî plateau

 

Agirî plateau. Child shepherdsAgirî plateau. Child shepherds

 

Agirî plateau. Child shepherdsAgirî plateau. Child shepherds

 

ReunionReunion

 

16- Ishka Pasha Palace/ Xanî Baba – Dogubeyazit/ Bayîzd, Agirî. Construction completed in 1784. Ehmedê Xanî taught at the mosqueIshka Pasha Palace/ Xanî Baba – Dogubeyazit/ Bayîzd, Agirî. Construction completed in 1784. Ehmedê Xanî taught at the mosque

 

17- Ishak Pasha Palace/ Xanî BabaIshak Pasha Palace/ Xanî Baba

 

Ishak Pasha Palace/ Xanî BabaIshak Pasha Palace/ Xanî Baba

 

19- Ishka Pasha Palace/ Xanî BabaIshak Pasha Palace/ Xanî Baba

 

Ishka Pasha Palace/ Xanî BabaIshak Pasha Palace/ Xanî Baba

 

Qendîl Martyr’s CemeteryQendîl Martyr’s Cemetery

 

Zaroka Kurdê ÊzidîZaroka Kurdê Êzidî

 

Zarokên Kurdê ÊzidîZarokên Kurdê Êzidî

 

Mountain view on the way to AmedMountain view on the way to Amed

 

Zarokên Amedê / the children of AmedZarokên Amedê / the children of Amed

 

Streets of AmedStreets of Amed

 

Streets of AmedStreets of Amed

 

People of AmedPeople of Amed

 

Zarokên KurdZarokên Kurd

 

Zarokên KurdZarokên Kurd