A woman, armed with a rifle and holding a walkie-talkie, stands sentinel at the entrance of Jinwar, a commune exclusively for women located in Syria. Beyond the entrance, approximately 30 mud-brick homes are scattered across the arid terrain, their gardens bursting with colorful flowers, vegetables, and fruit trees.
Situated just outside Qamishli in the predominantly Kurdish northeastern region of Syria, Jinwar presents a vibrant oasis amidst the surrounding dust. Established in 2018, this commune has become a sanctuary for women from various backgrounds, including Kurds, Arabs, and Yazidis. Many residents sought refuge here after losing their husbands to the Islamic State (IS), while others escaped abusive relationships in pursuit of safety and autonomy. The commune is described as a haven for women who aspire to live freely alongside other women and children, including those who choose not to marry or those who have faced violence in their families.
With around 25 women residing in Jinwar, the commune is home to their children and a variety of animals, such as cows, sheep, chickens, and peacocks. The community operates its own school, constructs many of its homes using locally sourced materials, and cultivates a significant portion of their food, which includes eggplants, tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, onions, and garlic. While men are permitted to visit, they cannot reside or stay overnight in the commune.
Jinwar was founded during the Syrian civil war as a response to the violence, discrimination, and numerous challenges that women in the region face. The name combines the Kurdish words for “woman” (jin) and “home” (war), translating to “women’s space.”
Photographer Matteo Trevisan captured images of the women in Jinwar as part of a broader series that showcases female-led communities emerging throughout northeastern Syria. His work also features women from the ecological village of Jarudi, where men can visit but are not in leadership roles, as well as members of women’s civil defense committees (HPC-Jin) in Qamishli and women engaged in environmental initiatives.
Welat, a 55-year-old resident, moved to Jinwar just over a year ago after separating from her husband. Reflecting on her past, she shared, “Life wasn’t going well; I could barely get by.” After learning about the women-only commune, she decided to visit and found a renewed sense of self. Now, she dedicates her mornings to Kurdish language classes and takes her turn on watch duty at the entrance. The community thrives on collaboration, welcoming a variety of visitors, which fosters trade and conversation. “Many guests come through. There’s a lot of exchange and activity,” she remarks.
Welat describes the environment in Jinwar as filled with solidarity and support, stating, “The mothers work side by side. The relationships among women are beautiful. The psychological atmosphere is positive, and the spirit is very high.” Above all, she emphasizes that Jinwar provides a sense of safety and peace that she could not find elsewhere in Syria. “Out there, life is harder. Here it’s different. Here I can find myself. Here I can live a good life,” she adds, expressing her hope that the village’s model can inspire women beyond its borders. “I want all the mothers of the world to recognize their own strength. If they have strength, they have freedom.”
Nujîn Mihemed, aged 57, joined Jinwar four and a half years ago following her husband’s death. After enduring health issues and loneliness in a nearby village, friends encouraged her to relocate to the commune. “I suffered greatly due to societal pressures and family oppression,” she recalls. Today, she contributes to communal life by helping with various tasks, from baking bread to watch duty. Jinwar offers amenities such as a bakery, a village shop, a healthcare center, and a school.
“We are all different, yet we function like one household,” Mihemed observes. Daily life is centered around companionship and mutual support, where mothers connect with one another, fostering a sense of community. “I came to love this village. My life here is better than anything I had before,” she concludes.
Jasmin, 28, found her way to Jinwar from Aleppo five years ago after her marriage ended. Initially, she was preparing to leave Syria for Europe, but her discovery of the commune altered her plans. She appreciates the sense of belonging among women from diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds. “Women of all religions and peoples live together; all religions are celebrated. For me, this village is an example of revolution and peace for the world,” she states, highlighting the unique relationships she has formed.
Jasmin has also cultivated a strong bond with the land itself. “Now it is hard to imagine myself in a city,” she reflects. Her aspirations extend beyond her personal life in Jinwar; she hopes to see more women actively participating in public spheres, from politics to education and community leadership. “We want all women to claim their rights and participate everywhere,” she asserts, emphasizing the importance of women’s empowerment in society.
