VIYAN AMED

Qamishlo- Living in the city of Qamishlo, Saliha Keleş (48) has been collecting ancient, agricultural and cultural items for 20 years. “The invading states have been attacking Kurdish history and culture for thousands of years,” Saliha Keleş said, “Despite all the attacks, the Kurdish people have managed to preserve their culture and existence by resisting and fighting.”

 

Some items are hundreds of years old

 Underlining that Kurdistan is the cradle of civilization, Saliha Keleş has been collecting historical items for 20 years in order to keep Kurdish culture and history alive and to pass them on to next generations.

“The revolution in Rojava Kurdistan gives us an opportunity to preserve our culture and history. As a Kurdish woman, I have been collecting historical items with my spouse for 20 years. People visiting my house are surprised when they see the historical items. Until now, we have collected many items; some of them are hundreds of years old. My main aim is to preserve historical and cultural items.”

 

‘We did not have a museum under the regime rule’

Mentioning the role of women in preserving history and culture, Saliha Keleş said, “When we look at history and today, we see that those who preserve our history and culture are women. Women always have a strong connection with nature. Therefore, they are engaged in farming everywhere. During the rule of the Ba'ath regime, we could not even plant a tree in front of our house; we did not have a museum.”

 Calling on the Kurdish people to preserve their history and culture, Saliha Keleş said, “I have been collecting historical and cultural items for 20 years. I call on everyone to preserve their history and culture.”