DEPARTMENT Baqofa in the Frame A photo essay of the homeland PHOTOGRAPHY BY WILSON SARKIS CAPTIONS BY ALAN MANSOUR Top of page: A weather-beaten sign displays in both English and Arabic the turnoff to Baqofa and the distance to Mosul. Baqofa lies 30 kilometers north of Mosul on the main road between Telkeif and Alqosh. Above: The village of Baqofa is one square kilometer in size, housing approximately 50 families or 250 people. There is one small market but most of the shopping in done in Telsquf, Alqosh, Telkeif, Mosul, or Dohuk. 18 CHALDEAN NEWS NOVEMBER2022
Left: The village contains two churches; Mar Gewargis (pictured) and a new church under construction. Center: Since no priests reside in the village, priests from Alqosh and Telsquf preside over services. From left: As with many northern Iraqi towns and villages, pathways have walls to protect from the elements and provide shade, and the homes sport ornate painted doors. The aerial shot is of the new church that is being built in Baqofa. NOVEMBER2022 CHALDEAN NEWS 19
