In the remote highlands of Dersim in Eastern Turkey, the Munzur River provides more than just water, it is the spiritual and cultural lifeblood of the Zaza Kurds. For generations, their beliefs have guided how they protect its waters, seeing the river as a living sacred space woven into daily life. This relationship has endured despite political pressure, environmental change, and the looming threat of dam construction.

Drawing on deep personal connections in the community, Guardians of the Munzur offers rare, intimate access to a place where culture, ecology, and spirituality are inseparable. The project uses a multidisciplinary approach to reveal how belief systems can inspire grassroots environmental stewardship and protect fragile freshwater ecosystems.

With the Munzur Valley’s future uncertain, this work creates a vital visual and narrative record of its biodiversity, cultural heritage, and the community-led conservation efforts that could help secure UNESCO World Heritage recognition. It invites audiences to see freshwater not only as a natural resource but as a living link between people and planet, an essential part of climate resilience, cultural preservation, and environmental justice.