Iraq: Restoring Hope, Farming the Forgotten Lands

The northern regions of Iraq—rugged, beautiful, and rich in culture—have long been caught in the crossfire of conflict. For years, the Christian villages near the Turkish border have endured constant instability. These are not just remote dots on a map; they are homes to generations of Iraqi Christians who have held on through war, persecution, and the systematic erasure of their heritage.

But survival in northern Iraq is more than a struggle—it is a test of endurance. Ongoing bombings, clashes, and the pressure of powerful local authorities have pushed many to the brink. Lands that once nourished communities and provided livelihoods have been left fallow. The excuse? "Unused." The truth? Too dangerous to farm.

These confiscated lands, owned by poor Christian families, were written off by authorities who ignored the realities on the ground. But we haven't forgotten them. And we won't let these families be forgotten.

A Bold Step Forward: Cultivating 70,000 Square Meters of Hope

Our latest project, located along the Turkish border, is reclaiming what was taken. We've leased a massive 70,000 square meters of abandoned farmland. With it, we're restoring more than just fields—we're restoring dignity, livelihoods, and hope.

Here’s what this transformative effort looks like:

  • Restoring Ownership: 30 Christian farmers are getting their rightful lands back—land that was taken under the pretext of disuse.
  • Creating Jobs: The project is providing job opportunities for 200 workers, many of whom have been unemployed for years.
  • Feeding Families: In total, 1,100 Christian Iraqis—including workers, farmers, and their families—will be supported through this initiative.
  • Reviving Villages: Three Christian villages, long forgotten, are coming back to life as agriculture returns to the land.

How We’re Making It Happen

Because of our team, we are not only dreaming—we are doing. Our team is on the ground, side by side with the farmers, tackling the biggest obstacles head-on:

  • Cultivating the land: Breaking the ground again after years of neglect.
  • Installing water systems: So crops can thrive, even in tough seasons.
  • Saving the trees: We’re bringing 5,000 almond trees back to health.
  • Caring for vineyards: We’re nurturing 3,000 grapevines—and planting more.
  • Supporting the harvest: From pruning to pesticides to inoculation, we’re ensuring the plants survive and the farmers can profit.
  • Creating a cycle of sustainability: With every harvest, we equip farmers to keep going—on their own terms, with their own hands.

Why It Matters

This is more than farming. It's about reclaiming what was taken. It's about helping the Christian communities of northern Iraq stand strong again in the face of generational trauma. It's about giving fathers the means to feed their children, and giving children a reason to stay in their ancestral homes.

These lands once grew food, built families, and bonded neighbors. They can—and will—do so again.

Want to support projects like this? Donate below!

Supporting Displaced People in the Middle East and Northern Africa

Contact us

Contact Us

  • (307) 699-3065

  • info@theblessingprojects.org

  • 1 Central Street, #3 Moran, WY 83013

  • EIN: 82-2079416

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2024 Impact:

88,348 Individuals Supported