In Hakkari (Colemêrg) is a region of mountains and springs and livestock is the main source of livelihood of the people. The nomads, who go to the plateau in May, stay there for 6 months. They feed their animals here and earn their living with milk, yogurt, cheese and herbs they collect in the mountains. The products produced here are sold to those who come from outside the city, especially the people of Hakkari. In the highlands, women take care of everything. There is usually a division of labor among women. While some women milk the animals, others cut the wool, and others make products such as yoghurt and cheese.

Zeynep Özer, who has been continuing the tradition of the berîvan by going to the highland in Hakkari for years, said that most of those who came to the highland quit this job. Stating that people do not know what to do due to the economic crisis and high price hikes, Özer said that those who have livestock cannot earn money and cannot afford food, drink and clothing. She said that everything became much more difficult with the economic crisis, and added: "There were 14 or 15 families on our plateau before, but now there are just 5 families. Most of those who came to this plateau before had to sell their sheep. Before the crisis, we used to go to the plateau by car and spend 50 TL, but now we have to pay more than 350 TL. It was very difficult for us to come and go to the plateau. For these reasons, many people have to quit this job. If it continues like this, I will have to leave too."

'We are affected'

Özer said: "We have become unable to meet the needs of animals. Animal prices have increased, but the increase in other products is higher. The medicines we take for animals are very high, the shepherd's salary and needs are challenging us. Due to the increase in the cost of living, the number of people who do this job is decreasing. Previously, this plateau was in a festive mood. But now everyone is depressed. The reason for this is the economic crisis, as well as war and deaths. What we produce here is no longer enough to make a living."