After decades marred by conflict between Kurdish militants and Turkish forces, tranquility is gradually returning to the majestic highlands of Hakkari. The Cilo-Sat Mountains, once fraught with danger, are witnessing a renaissance as local farmers and wildlife reclaim their rightful place, aligning with a national park initiative and emerging tourism opportunities. However, generational shifts in labor preferences and climate challenges loom over the region’s promising revival.
Return to the Highlands
As peace negotiations gain traction, a significant number of Kurdish livestock owners are tentatively reconnecting with the rugged terrains of Hakkari’s Cilo-Sat Mountains. “We’ve been coming here for a long time. Thirty years ago, we used to come and go, but then we couldn’t come. Now we just started to come again and to bring our animals as we want,” reflects Selahattin Irinc, a local shepherd. This gradual return underscores the resilience of these communities, who have endured years of conflict that forced them away from their ancestral grazing lands.
The reopening of roads to the Cilo Mountains has been a crucial development, reestablishing vital access for shepherds and tourists alike. With decreased violent incidents tied to ongoing peace negotiations, areas once considered battlegrounds are now being reimagined as places of communal livelihood and adventure. An unnamed livestock owner shared, “Now it’s calmer,” highlighting the stark contrast to their previous experiences of military scrutiny and suspicion.
National Park Sanctuary
In a monumental step toward preserving the natural beauty and ecological importance of the region, the Cilo-Sat Mountains National Park was established in September 2020, encompassing 27,500 hectares of breathtaking landscapes. This area, renowned for its towering peaks like Uludoruk at 4,135 meters, features glacial valleys and alpine lakes that invite not just locals but adventure seekers from afar. The park stands as Turkey’s 45th national park, a testament to the government’s commitment to conservation amid evolving political landscapes.
In addition to breathtaking scenery, the park serves as a sanctuary for endangered wildlife. The presence of Persian leopards and brown bears, along with a rich tapestry of endemic species like butterflies, contributes to the region’s biodiversity. As Mahir Irinc described, “Life is beautiful here. Tourists come with tents,” pointing to the newfound appreciation for Hakkari’s natural wealth, even as military checkpoints remain a reminder of the past.
Traditional Livelihoods Under Pressure
Despite the optimistic outlook surrounding tourism and environmental restoration, traditional animal husbandry—an age-old practice fundamental to Hakkari’s Kurdish culture—faces significant challenges. Many families now practice collective animal husbandry during the grazing season, which spans approximately three to four months. Yet, as the economic circumstances tighten, younger generations are increasingly turning away from shepherding. “I don’t think a new generation will come after us,” Mahir Irinc lamented. “The young people nowadays don’t want to raise animals, they just do whatever job is easier.”
This generational shift has economic implications as well. Rising costs have necessitated that farmers adapt by harvesting grass during the summer, transforming it into hay for winter feed. Renas İhtiyatoğlu, a local farmer, detailed: “To mitigate the effects of the economic crisis, we collect grass ourselves and bring it to the village by horse and tractor.” This communal effort showcases the resilience of rural families trying to sustain their traditions amidst a backdrop of changing values.
Tourism Emergence
With pockets of serenity returning to Hakkari, tourism is starting to flourish. The Cilo-Sat Mountains, with their glacial beauty, are becoming hotspots for adventure enthusiasts. Equipped with camping gear, tourists flock to high valleys, igniting local economies and offering a glimmer of hope to community members. “Life is quite good and it’s very beautiful here,” Mahir Irinc noted, reflecting on the lively presence of outdoor lovers eager to explore the region’s natural gems.
However, the delicate tapestry of tourism development is layered with complexity. Guided mountaineering was permitted since 2002, but restrictions remain in place due to ongoing security concerns. Access to certain trekking routes requires special permissions, limiting the extent to which tourism can sustainably flourish in the area. Nevertheless, the interest in trekking and mountaineering is on the rise, hinting at Hakkari’s potential as a destination for nature aficionados.
Environmental Challenges
The enchantment of the Cilo-Sat Mountains comes with pressing environmental challenges. Global warming has accelerated glacial retreat, as evidenced by the alarming collapse of a significant section of the glacial landscape in 2023. As the climate crisis unfolds, local conservation projects are increasingly essential. These initiatives involve partnerships between universities and NGOs aimed at monitoring fragile ecosystems, with particular focus on the rebounding mountain goat population that has returned as human disturbances decline.
The region’s wildlife, now flourishing in the absence of conflict, also faces threats from climate change and habitat loss. Conservationists strive to protect the biodiversity that remains while advocating for sustainable practices among local communities. Their efforts echo the wisdom of local inhabitants who understand that the mountains’ future resilience hinges on a balance between development and environmental stewardship.
Embracing the Future
As Hakkari’s Cilo-Sat Mountains embrace a new chapter of revival, the intricate dance between tradition and modernity unfolds. The return of pastoral communities, combined with the establishment of a national park and burgeoning tourism, presents a narrative of hope following years of conflict and adversity. Yet, the challenge of securing the future of traditional livelihoods and preserving the environment remains paramount.
For the local population, who have weathered decades of turmoil, the resilience of Hakkari mirrors their own. As they navigate economic pressures and changing cultural landscapes, their connection to the mountains remains a cherished aspect of their identity. Only time will tell if the youth will find value in tending the land and raising livestock, but both nature and tradition stand as beacons of hope in a region now filled with possibility.
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