Sema
The Turkish government has decided to resolve the long-standing issue of an Ezidi village that has been abandoned for 30 years.
Today, Wednesday, July 2st, 2025, Nedim Erkış, an Ezidi activist from Kelhok village in the Batman region, told Sama:
“For 30 years, the people of Kelhok village in the Batman region have lived abroad as migrants. At the time of their departure, they entrusted their village to neighboring families. Over time, some villagers began returning, but those currently living there now refuse to leave.”
He continued: “For the past 13 years, complaints have been filed seeking the return of the village. However, the families who have since settled in Kelhok are building houses and insist they will not move. This issue has been brought to the attention of the relevant authorities.”
According to Erkış, a Turkish government delegation is expected to visit the village this week. The delegation will reportedly request the property deeds to facilitate returning the village to its rightful owners.
“We hope the state will fulfill its duty and return our village to us as soon as possible,” he said.
Kelhok village is located in Batman province in northern Kurdistan. The original Ezidi inhabitants, now returning from abroad, want to settle and rebuild their community once again.