Mabata Town in Afrin: A Natural and Historical Landscape Rich in Human Diversity

Welat TV – Erbil

In a new episode of “Gundên Welat,” Welat TV continues its journey into the heart of the Kurdish countryside in Afrin, shedding light on village life and the region’s natural and historical features.

This week, the Welat TV team visited Mabata town, a place that reflects the authenticity of the past and the heritage of the present.

Welat TV explored Mabata’s inherited customs and traditions and met with local residents who shared stories of their daily lives and personal experiences, forming a vivid human portrait that blends simplicity of living with a deep sense of dignity and belonging.

Through this visit, Welat TV offers a window into the Kurdish countryside of Afrin and the resilience of its people, who continue to write new chapters in Kurdish history.

Mabata Town

Mabata town is located in the northwestern countryside of the Afrin region, about 15 kilometers from the center of Afrin city. The town lies on a limestone plateau stretching from east to west, at an elevation ranging between 530 and 560 meters above sea level. It is characterized by steep slopes to the north, west, and east, and is covered by wide expanses of olive groves and pine trees.

The Origin of the Name

There are several stories among the residents and researchers regarding the origin of the name Mabata. Some attribute the name to the Arabic word “Mahabba” (love), while others link it to a Kurdish word referring to the founding families that formed the nucleus of the town.

Historical opinions also suggest that the name may be related to the meaning of “Ahl Al-Bayt,” referring to the religious affiliation of some of its residents who are from the Alawite sect.

Historical Roots and Cultural Diversity

Mabata is estimated to date back several centuries and has been an important point in the Afrin region throughout its history, maintaining its social and religious character while coexisting with its surrounding communities. Mabata has witnessed notable historical events, including its designation as an administrative center during the French Mandate period and the construction of a school whose building remains standing to this day.

Archaeological Sites and Prominent Figures

Mabata town includes a number of archaeological sites, such as the Diremiye hills, Khaziyana, and Barbaoshe wells, reflecting the depth of human settlement in the region. It has also produced well-known cultural, artistic, and political figures who have contributed to public life.

An Administrative Center

Since the 1970s Mabata became a district center in 1975 and is home to dozens of villages and farms. Official data indicates that the district covers an area of approximately 245 square kilometers and is bordered by the districts of Rajo, Shara, Afrin, Shiye, and Jinderes. It includes essential public service facilities, such as a municipality, a health center, a recruitment office, and schools at various educational levels.

Urban Growth and Changing Architecture

In recent decades, Mabata has witnessed significant urban expansion, with construction shifting from traditional mud-brick houses with wooden roofs to modern concrete buildings, and villa-style houses beginning to appear. As a result of this expansion, available land for construction has become increasingly limited, with urban development spreading across most of the plateau.

Agriculture as the Backbone of the Local Economy

Most residents of Mabata rely on agriculture as their primary source of income, particularly olive and grape cultivation, alongside rain-fed crops and sheep farming. The town also hosts olive oil presses, small workshops for machinery maintenance and blacksmithing, as well as local shops that meet residents’ daily needs.

A Town Bridging Past and Present

Today, Mabata is one of Afrin’s districts that combines natural beauty, deeply rooted Kurdish history, and an administrative and service role. It remains a living testament to Afrin’s geographical and human diversity, while facing urban and economic challenges shared with other districts and towns across the region.