Iraq’s Christians recount decades of violence

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region — Violence since the US-led invasion of Iraq, including the brutality of the Islamic State (ISIS), have led many Christians to seek shelter in the Kurdistan Region or flee the country in search of a better life.

A number of Christians from Baghdad, Mosul and other parts of Iraq who have fled to the Kurdistan Region over the course of recent years have told Rudaw of the tremendous suffering they have experienced at the hands of extremists.

Many said they previously enjoyed safety and prosperity across Iraq. 

"We had never thought of leaving Mosul,” said housewife Ban Yaquub.

"Today's Baghdad no longer resembles the Baghdad of the past we used to live in. Back then, we used to live a normal life. We were very comfortable,” added Hana Afrim.

According to government data, Iraq was home to 18 million people in 1991, including two million Christians.

Conflict in Iraq in 2005 killed 1,141 Christians and destroyed 98 churches. 

"In 2004, 2003, 2006 and 2005, there were attacks against us. The attacks would happen every year and a half,” said Dawood Mati Sharif, the Archbishop of Mosul.

Almost 138,000 Christians were displaced to the Kurdistan Region when ISIS took over large swathes of Iraq in 2014.

Less than 300,000 Christians remain in Iraq, Erbil’s  Chaldean Archbishop Warda told Rudaw English on Wednesday.

“There is still persecution against Christians. Explosions have resumed. Killings continue, disrespect continues, they do not care at all,” Artamis Yaaqub Afram, a civil servant, told Rudaw. 

Director: Hardi Qadir