afrinpost– Exclusive
The Turkish-affiliated SNA groups in the occupied region of Afrin have continued to tighten their grip on the Yazidi community, demolishing their sacred shrines and erasing traces of their ancient faith.
Activist and journalist Ahmed Al-Barho shared a video documenting the complete destruction of the Sheikh Hamid Shrine in the Yazidi village of Qastal Jundo. The footage reveals the desecration of graves and the devastation of the entire shrine.
Accompanying the video, Al-Barho wrote, “As you pass from Qatma village to Qastal Jundo, you will come across a cemetery known as Sheikh Hamid’s Cemetery, named after the shrine with the same name. This shrine holds immense religious significance for Yazidis. Unfortunately, it has been completely destroyed, along with the desecration of most graves over the past five years.”
He added, “It is important to note that Yazidis are the indigenous inhabitants of the region, having resided there for thousands of years.”
The video footage captures the Wishing Tree, adorned with pieces of cloth representing people’s hopes and dreams, now mutilated and stripped of its sacredness. Al-Barho remarked, “This is not just about the destruction of graves; it is a deliberate act. Can you believe that even the graves are being destroyed? Not just one or two, but dozens of graves.”
Speaking alongside the video, Al-Barho expressed his astonishment at the deliberate destruction of a revered site that holds deep religious significance for Yazidis. He recalled a previous visit to the shrine where the damage was limited to the dome.
He questioned the motives behind the desecration, asking, “What harm does this shrine inflict upon anyone? It is a sacred place belonging to a specific religion. The Yazidis are the original inhabitants and the true owners of the region, not outsiders.”
The disturbing actions against the Yazidi community in occupied Afrin echo the dark chapters of history when Yazidis faced persecution and atrocities. The deliberate destruction of their sacred shrines highlights the urgent need to address the ongoing cultural and religious violations perpetrated by these armed militias.
