As the Weather Turns Colder Nomadic Herders Leave the Highlands

As the weather begins to cool, nomadic herders are departing from the cool highlands of Van and Bitlis, setting off toward Siirt with thousands of small livestock.

These nomads, who reside in the warmer provinces of the Southeastern Anatolia Region, migrate to the highlands of cooler provinces like Van and Bitlis during the summer months to graze their animals. After spending approximately six months in these areas, they begin their return journey home as the temperatures drop.

Traveling alongside their flocks, the nomads—accompanied by their families—embark on a demanding journey that lasts for days. Navigating both paved roads and rural terrain, they put in significant effort to meet the needs of both themselves and their livestock.

Mehmet Seyhan, a nomad who traveled from Siirt to Van in the spring, explained that they set out on their return journey to Siirt about a month ago. Describing the challenging conditions of traveling with thousands of small livestock, Seyhan noted that throughout the summer, they produced items such as milk, yogurt, and cheese from their animals, which they then sold.

The nomads explain that they stop two or three times a day during the long journey to tend to their animals’ needs; during these breaks, they also milk the livestock and carry out their daily chores.

Throughout this arduous migration—lived in close contact with nature—the families strive to both protect their livestock and secure their livelihoods. Having departed from Van, the nomads are expected to reach Siirt toward the end of December, following a long and strenuous journey.