By: Jami Sall
February 8, 2018
Kemal (Kamal), a Turkish farmer, grew up in a tiny village in the Adıyaman province of Turkey. Kemal still resides and works in this village, which consists of roughly 12 families, to this day.
Kemal’s village, which welcomed electricity only a mere few years ago, sits in a valley of a mountain range, which helps to keep it cool during the brutal summer months.
The main source of income for Kemal and his family comes from their tobacco fields. Kemal is the primary caretaker of these fields.
During harvest season every fall, Kemal harvests the ripe tobacco and brings it to the house where it is hung and dried before being sent off to the chopping factory.
During harvest season every fall, Kemal harvests the ripe tobacco and brings it to the house where it is hung and dried before being sent off to the chopping factory.
During harvest season every fall, Kemal harvests the ripe tobacco and brings it to the house where it is hung and dried before being sent off to the chopping factory.
Another source of income Kemal’s family has found is in harvesting honey. They own over 50,000 bees that produce some of the sweetest honey in the region.
Another source of income Kemal’s family has found is in harvesting honey. They own over 50,000 bees that produce some of the sweetest honey in the region.
Kemal often fishes for trout from the nearby stream with a simple net in order to feed his family.
Before sunset, Kemal takes a long walk to the top of the mountain where he checks on his flock of sheep.
Kemal often moves his horse to greener pastures for better grazing.
After a long day of work, Kemal ditches his work hat on a nearby branch …
… and draws water from a small stream on the side of the mountain.
When the weather permits, this enduring village man sleeps under the stars in his self-made fort.
Most mornings, Kemal makes it back down the mountain for a fresh breakfast with his family.
