Koya mill still in business almost 100 years after opening

KOYA, Kurdistan Region — Established in 1927, a mill in Koya is still open for business, loyally run by a local family who acquired the site from a British company. 

Haji Khidhir Mill has barely changed since it was opened almost 100 years ago. 

“In 1943 and 1944, my father was always here, running the mill following the death of his father. My father ran the mill until his death in 2019,” said owner Zana Khidir. 

The mill grinds different grains including wheat, lentils and freekeh.

Ruston & Hornsby, which set up the mill, has tried numerous times to buy it back from the Khidir family, but they refuse to sell. 

“This is a symbol of our family and of Koya. We do not care whether or not it makes us money. All we care about is keeping the doors open,” said Zana. 

Translation by Zhelwan Z. Wali

Produced by Haidar Ali