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The Nomads

Van is an ancient city located in the Eastern Anatolia Region of Turkey. Its history dates back to the Urartians, who called this land where the sun never fails “Tusba”, meaning “City of the Sun”. This region, which has hosted many different cultures and communities for centuries, is known for its mountains, lakes, islands and cool plateaus. Each year, these plateaus become temporary homes for nomadic communities. Nomads set out from the scorching heat of the Southeast to reach the cool highlands of Van to protect their livestock and survive. This journey is not only a physical migration, but also an ancient ritual intertwined with the seasons, nature and tradition. They spend four months of the year in these highlands. The tents they set up become a stage; life here hosts a narrative of endurance as much as a struggle against nature. This documentary photography project was born out of the desire to bear witness to this transient life of nomads. The camera is positioned not only as an observational tool, but also as a silent witness, recording the nomads' time, labor and their relationship with nature. The photographs search for traces of this difficult but resilient way of life in bodies, landscapes and everyday actions.

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© Nadir Buçan. All rights reserved.
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