Jenek

Jenek is a village in the rural district of Nefal, located within the eastern province of Tavil in the Republic of Khelen. It lies approximately 90 kilometres west of the provincial capital, Mount Kire, at an elevation of 610 metres above sea level. The surrounding terrain is characterised by rolling hills and fertile valleys that support subsistence agriculture.

The village’s name is believed to derive from the ancient Khelenic word “jenēk,” meaning “bright water,” a reference to the nearby spring that has sustained local residents for centuries. Historical records indicate that the settlement was founded in the early 18th century by a cluster of migrating families from the neighbouring valley of Maluni.

Jenek’s economy is dominated by small‑scale farming, with wheat, barley, and orchard fruit being the primary products. A modest number of residents engage in artisanal craftwork, producing woven textiles and pottery that are sold in regional markets. Tourism, though limited, contributes to the local income by attracting visitors to the annual “Summer Lights” festival, when the village lights lanterns along the waterway to celebrate spring.

The population, as recorded in the 2015 national census, was 1,260 inhabitants, predominantly of the Khelenic ethnic group, speaking the local dialect of Khelenic alongside the national language. Roads connecting Jenek to nearby towns are primarily gravel, and public transport is provided by a weekly bus service that links the village with the provincial capital.