ROJ HOZAN

Qamishlo – Each society has its own culture. Raising noble horses has been a culture for Arab society since 1400 BC. Noble horses are beautiful; they are thin and tall and have a high neck and high tail. In the past, nomadic Arab tribes raised noble horses in the desert regions and the number of horses showed how the tribes were rich.

65-year-old Sacida Sileman, who lives in the Hicera village of Qamishlo’s Tirbespiye district, has spent 40 years taking care of her horses. She has established a special bond with the horses. She cannot ride horses due to her diseases but she used to ride horses when she was younger. She is a good horsewoman and her horses understand what she wants to say to them from her gestures and facial expressions.

She has cared for horses for 40 years

Caring for horses is Arab culture, Sacida Sileman said that in the past, people used to have animals and horses had a special place in their lives. “In the past, we didn’t have cars so we rode horses to go somewhere. I have cared for horses for 40 years. I have 30 horses now. Horses are very important in our culture. Since I lost my husband, my children have helped me. All my children and grandchildren know how to care for the horses.”

Her horses are like her children

Taking care of noble horses is different from taking care of normal horses; she said that you should know how to care for them. “I love my horses as much as I love my children. When they get sick, I spend my nights with them. They are like my children. My horses are the best and most expensive horses in the region.” Sacida Sileman takes her horses to Cizre Region every year to participate in the horse race. “My horses have won the race three times until now.”

Sacida Sileman has had difficulties in finding the hay for two years due to drought. “My horses should eat three times a day. But they eat less because of the hay shortage. We expect support from the authorities.”