Page 8 - NOMADS_NO5

Originally from Central Asia, Yoruk nomads, have settled in Çamkalabalak, Çamiçi, and Kaşkaya villages in Ayvacik Borough of Çanakkale for over 150 years. Keeping to their own traditions and customs, they live in peace. Apart from their main vocation of agriculture and raising livestock, women weave and sell their products in city centers during the tourist season. Men do various building and gardening work. I lived with the Ayvacık Yoruk nomads, photographing their traditional way of life and special days, including a wedding and circumcision ceremony.Canakkale is six hours away from Istanbul, I’ve spent time there on holiday with my daughter, Maria. We decided to go there for few days by car. While we were driving to Canakkale, we saw a woman named Zeynep, waiting on the side of the road and offered her a lift. She asked if we would like to go to her village. Her village was on the way, so we accepted her invitation. The story she told as we drove was inspiring, as was the traditional dress she was wearing. When we arrived at her village we were invited into her garden. Our conversation continued about her village, her dress and the traditions she and the villagers live by.7