SULAIMANI, Kurdistan Region - A family of two in a remote Sulaimani village has decided not to exchange village life for city life, citing a deep attachment to their lifestyle after about 30 years.
“The others have abandoned this place, but what can I say? We are here, taking care of our animals. I am happy here, truly happy,” Khajij Ahmed, a village resident, told Rudaw on the foothills of Asos Mountain.
Ahmed added that she has requested to be buried there after her death.
Villagers of nearby villages explain why people are not interested in village life anymore, with a lack of transportation and ease of access to basic necessities pushing villagers to move to the cities.
Some also prefer urban life due to the lack of entertainment in villages such as football fields.