In Dulejan village, located at the junction of Duhok, Erbil, and Nineveh provinces, an unusual proposal has been introduced to encourage marriage among young people. The initiative offers 200 square meters of land to any couple willing to marry and settle in the village.
Zaid Mohammad Fares Agha, who launched the program, attached specific conditions to the offer. One key requirement is that 25 percent of the land—equivalent to 50 square meters—must be dedicated to greenery.
The initiative began in 2018, when Zaid Agha, a leader of the Zebari tribe, decided to distribute land to newly married couples on the condition that they remain in the village rather than moving to urban areas.
“Our intention was to support our youth and prevent them from relocating to cities and becoming renters,” Zaid Agha explained. The plan ensures that each couple receives land free of charge, provided they build a home, reside in the village, and contribute to its development.
Our intention was to support our youth and prevent them from relocating to cities and becoming renters
Dulejan village lies between the Great Zab and Khazir rivers, about 32 kilometers northeast of Mosul and 85 kilometers from Duhok. In 2023, an additional requirement was introduced: couples must allocate 25% of their land to green spaces and use paint that preserves the village’s aesthetic appeal when constructing their homes.
Residents have responded positively to the initiative. Sirwa Rasul, a 30-year-old mother of two, noted that the program has eased concerns for newlyweds about housing. She also highlighted the added benefit of creating gardens and green areas.
Before the initiative, the village had around 220 households; that number has since risen to 340. Rebwar Osman, a father of three who benefited from the program, said “it reshaped my understanding of homebuilding, emphasizing not just construction but also environmental beauty and sustainability.”
In recognition of these efforts, the village has been renamed Dulejan village of Sheikh Zayed Zebari. The land distributed to couples originally belongs to Fares Agha, Zaid Agha’s grandfather.
Agriculture remains the primary livelihood for residents, with rice and potatoes as key crops. According to village head Salman Mohammed, the emphasis on planting trees and expanding green spaces has transformed Dulejan into a more modern and environmentally vibrant community.
“Supporting our youth and standing by them in times of need is essential,” Zaid Agha said. “True greatness lies in giving, not in accumulating wealth.”
