In Til Koçer (al-Yarubiyah) town in Hesekê (Hasakah) Governorate, several Kurdish families live alongside many different Arab tribes such as Al-Shamar, Jawali, Sharbi, Beni Sebi, Jaburi, Tal-Tayi and Al-Hadidi. The cultural diversity of the community was little noticed at the time of the Syrian government. During the occupation by the so-called Islamic State (IS), the cultural structure of the region has been almost completely destroyed.

On October 26, 2013, Til Koçer was liberated from the hands of the Jihadist militia Al-Nusra by the YPG and YPJ. With the establishment of councils and municipalities, the society awoke to new life.

The first cultural center in the history of the town

The arts and culture center of Til Koçer was opened towards the end of 2016. It is a place where emphasis is placed on the development and organization of Arab culture and other segments living in the region.

Adnan Mustafa is a theater teacher at the Cultural Center. It is the first cultural center in the history of the town and has great significance, he says. "This was a historic step in terms of cultural and artistic activities in the region. There had never been any kind of cultural center in the town until this one was opened."

The patterns of behavior, taboos of the tribes and difficulties

Mazlum Ali, head of the Cultural Center, reports that the people in the area have abstained from bringing their children to the cultural centers due to tribal traditions and the influence of Islam.

"The diligence of the members of the Cultural Center, the meetings they have carried out, and the home visits to the people of the town have torn down these tabos. Now, the population is slowly starting to visit the cultural center, "said Ali.

More girls than boys in the cultural group

Meanwhile, the Cultural Center has 134 active members who have formed groups in various areas. 100 children participate in the theater, music and folklore group "Children of Freedom". Ten young people work in the folk dance group "Şehîd Uqab Şengal", while 13 other young people are active in the music and folklore group "El-Cezîrê". Six of the eleven members of the theater group "Şehîd Aziz" are teenagers.

Mazlum Ali and Mişel Hisên, responsible of the dance group "Şehîd Uqab Şengal", emphasize that they work for the revival and protection of Arabic art and culture and have already carried out many performances.

At the same time workshops and courses are opened for the development of craftsmanship. Especially during the summer holidays, art and culture courses are offered for children and adolescents.

About 60 percent of the participants are female, Ali reports. Each group receives lessons three times a week.

Song of Til Koçer’s children for the children of Afrin

The group "Children of Freedom" (Zarokên Aştiyê) composed the song "Free Afrin". The song about the suffering and the resistance of the children of Afrin will be performed at the Children's Festival of Cizîrê, which will take place in the next few days.