136-year-old Ezidi woman can't return home to Iraq’s Sinjar due to presence of PKK

By Anadolu staff

DUHOK, Iraq (AA) – An Ezidi woman from northern Iraq’s Sinjar region who was born in 1887 escaped from Daesh terrorists nine years ago but continues to live in difficult circumstances at a camp due to the presence of PKK terrorists in her hometown.

Saying she longs for a normal life and peace in Sinjar, Rewshe Kassim Hussein wishes to spend her last days in her ancestral land.

Hussein, who stayed with her son and family at the Sharya Refugee Camp in Duhok province, told Anadolu about her difficult life there and how she misses her home.

- Longing for a return to normal

Born in Dugure village in Sinjar, Hussein fled with her children and grandchildren during the Daesh invasion nine years ago and settled in the Kabarto Camp in Duhok.

She bears the weariness of the years and has had to endure a difficult and painful life at the camp for close to a decade but still does not neglect to take care of her health.

Noting that she has never relied on any medicines, Hussein also said she has never dyed her hair or used any make-up.

"I miss Sinjar very much. The conditions of the camp tire me a lot. I wish Sinjar to be normalized and to return to my land with my family. I try to relieve my longing for a bit by listening to the radio,” she said.

- Difficult conditions at camp led to deteriorating health

Hussein cannot move around on her own because she lost her eyesight and relies on her children or grandchildren for help.

"My health was good until a few years ago. I also lost my health due to the harsh conditions in the camp," she said.

She also said she could not forget what she experienced when Daesh terrorists attacked Sinjar nine years ago.

"We were sitting at the table. Some of us had eaten and others were about to eat. Just then, my son Kassim quickly entered the house, took me on his back, and we started to run away. I've been through so much that there's nothing I haven't seen in this life."

Kassim, who takes care of her, said his mother had taken care of the house and kept animals before the invasion by Daesh. He added that his mother longs to return to Sinjar as soon as possible.