In the area of Barwar in Dohuk governorate, northern Iraqi Kurdistan, the Assyrian minority that is dominating in the villages has made their mark throughout the history.

In one of the caves in the mountains a small church has been carved out. There is no way to reach the Marqa Yoma church by car – you have to climb the mountain to get there.

Nature is amazing due to the water wells.

Can you see the small church in the middle of the photo below?

It takes time to reach and it’s closed most of the time, one of the women in the village has the key.

One small room…

…and Assyrians from other parts of Iraq that have chosen to be buried next to the church in the mountains. For a minority that has survived several massacres, fleeing from place to place, it can feel good to finally come home.

Photos: Copyright Sweden and the Middle East Views Blog