Fading commons (Turkey): Common and community

Earth

For transhumant populations, the land is not a synonym of terrain: they lack this sense of sedentary property. Earth is the path in the woods, the impervious cliffs, the mold and the pine trees, and finally… the grasslands. It is wherever they can plant their yurt (tent). The Sarikecili tribe has a mobile population of 170 to 180 yurts, each comprising approximately one family, who they bring with them wherever they move, together with their goats and sheep. Just like their ancient species of goats (Capra aegagrus hircus, known to be living in Anatolia since 7200 BC), they adapt to harsh climatic conditions. But however well they may have adapted to the ways of nature and through the centuries, there’s little to be done when it comes to national borders and conflicts. Most common pasture lands of the Kurdish transhumants have been divided into four countries: Syria, Turkey, Iraq, and Iran. These borders have significantly reduced their mouvements, livelihood areas, and made it increasingly difficult for them to access their pastures that are their life, making their challenges increasingly tall and deep.