27.06.2026 14:58
The Mağara village in Şırnak's İdil district is revitalizing as Yazidi citizens who were forced to migrate due to terrorism in the 1990s return. Following road, irrigation, sewage, and lighting investments made under the Village Return Project, families living in Europe have begun returning to their homeland. The village, with a history of approximately 1200 years, also attracts tourists due to its historical texture.
The village of Mağara, affiliated with the İdil district of Şırnak, is reviving with the return of Yazidi citizens who migrated years ago due to terrorist incidents. Thanks to infrastructure investments implemented by the state, life in the village has restarted.
REVIVED THROUGH THE RETURN TO VILLAGE PROJECT
Life has restarted in the village of Mağara, affiliated with the İdil district of Şırnak, which was emptied due to terrorist incidents in the 1990s. Within the scope of the Ministry of Interior's "Return to Village Project," the Şırnak Governorship and the İdil District Governorate contacted former village residents who had migrated to Europe and called for their return.
Many Yazidi families living in Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands responded positively to the call and decided to return to their homeland.
VILLAGE INFRASTRUCTURE RENOVATED
Within the scope of the works carried out by the Special Provincial Administration, the village's infrastructure was completely renovated. A 9.2-kilometer road was built in the region, while a 2.2-kilometer irrigation system, a treatment plant, a sewage line, and lighting systems were installed. Additionally, a memorial tomb was constructed to preserve the historical and cultural fabric of the village.
"I WAS THE FIRST TO LEAVE AND THE FIRST TO RETURN"
Nusrettin Genç, one of the first people to return to the village after living in Europe for 48 years, expressed his happiness. Genç stated that he was one of the first people to leave the village when the terrorist incidents began and that it was also his destiny to be the first to return to his village years later.
Genç, who noted that basic problems like electricity and water have been resolved, stated that so far 5 families have definitively returned, and 5 more families are building houses. He noted that more families are expected to return to the village soon.
ATTRACTING TOURISTS' INTEREST
The village of Mağara, which has a history of about 1200 years and is known as one of the largest Yazidi villages in the region, has recently become one of the frequent stops for tourists.
Teacher Oya Yürüktümen, who visited the village, which draws attention with its cave rooms carved into the mountain slopes, said she was impressed by the activity in the region and noted that the village has significant tourism potential. Provincial Director of Culture and Tourism Celal Baz also stated that the historical village hosts many visitors on weekdays and weekends.