Guardians of the Munzur

In the rugged mountains of Eastern Türkiye, the Zaza Kurds have long safeguarded the Munzur River, a vital freshwater source and a central element of their cultural and spiritual identity. Rooted in the Alevi faith, which holds nature as sacred, the river is revered as a living entity, integral to their daily lives and traditions. This project employs immersive multimedia storytelling to document how these beliefs manifest in tangible conservation efforts, such as the protection of spring-fed irrigation systems and the maintenance of sacred water sites.

Collaborating with local experts, including Deniz, an agricultural engineer and conservationist, and Özgür, an archaeologist and local visual storyteller, our project will explore the measurable outcomes of these practices. We will examine how the community's spiritual connection to the river has led to successful resistance against ecological threats, including dam and mining projects. These efforts have not only preserved the river’s ecosystem but also reinforced the community’s cultural heritage.

Our primary goal is to inspire global reflection on how spiritual and cultural values can drive effective environmental stewardship. Additionally, we aim to support the region's bid for UNESCO World Heritage status, which would provide further protection against external threats and acknowledge the area's unique cultural and environmental significance.