Our fieldwork in Tunceli examined how mobile pastoralism influences artisanal production, exploring traditional rugs and local crafts. We visited several villages, met pastoral families, and discussed challenges with locals. The journey highlighted the deep connection between nature, culture, and nomadic life, particularly through weaving and sacred places like Munzur Gözeleri.
We conducted fieldwork in Tunceli to trace how mobile pastoralism in the region shaped artisanal production, within an aesthetic understanding inspired by nature.
Our first day in Tunceli was spent in Pertek and Kürmeş village. We met with families who have been engaged in nomadic pastoralism and traced different rugs, carpets, sacks and local clothes.
We started our second day in Çemişgezek. After the little buzzard, stork and crocodile we saw when we set off in the morning, our encounter with a mountain goat (ibex) made us start the day quite excited. Afterwards, we talked about the pasture problems in the region with Eyüp, who used to be engaged in animal husbandry in Çemişgezek, and Sinan from the Sheep and Goat Union. Our journey continued to Doğan Village, where we marvelled at Sakine’s weaving work and its stories. The day concluded with a visit to Munzur Gözeleri in Ovacık, a sacred site symbolising the unity of nature and culture through the story of Munzur Baba.
Our third day began in Ovacık and continued in Mercan Village. Technical difficulties prevented us from reaching the highlands, but under the guidance of Nihat, a local livestock breeder, we visited the tent of Zeynep and Şahin, Şavak pastoralists, and enjoyed tea by the stove. They will soon continue their migration to the high plateaus in a few weeks. After this visit, our journey continued at a lower altitude in the beautiful Munzur Valley, which we could not get enough of watching. And the last surprise was on a road full of stork nests.
On our final day, we visited İlbeyen Village. During our interviews with the Görgü family, Mehmet Ali shared regional legends, Yıldız reminisced about childhood games, and Haves recounted her memories of Tunceli since age seven, including stories of sacred places (“ziyaret” in the local language), traditional celebrations, childhood games and the story of the rugs she wove.
We would like to thank all the people of Tunceli, from Kürmeş to İlbeyen, who opened their doors, hosted us and guided us during this study.
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