With the arrival of summer, the nomadic shepherds from Iğdır begin their annual migration to the cooler highlands of the provinces of Kars and Ardahan. But this year, numerous livestock owners were denied access to their grazing lands—despite paid lease agreements and long-standing use. The governor's office stated that it “does not accept animals from other provinces.” The shepherds who had nevertheless set out were stopped at the city limits and forced to turn back.

Animals killed due to heat and lack of water

“We have leased our pasture land properly. Nevertheless, we are being denied access to the high pastures. This is tantamount to punishment,” said Mehmet Yeter, one of the shepherds affected, to the Mezopotamya news agency. Like many others, he loaded his herd onto transport vehicles. On the way to the pastures, they were stopped by the Turkish gendarmerie (military police), fined, and sent back.

Numerous animals died on the way due to heat and lack of water. “The state is calling on us to keep more animals – and then when we want to take them to pasture, we are criminalized,” said Yeter.

Yusuf Aras also spoke out against the unacceptable conditions, saying: “We feel not only economically damaged, but also violated in our dignity. This treatment is nothing less than systematic humiliation.”

Heavy fines

Cattle farmer Aziz Ayboğa criticized the economic burden imposed by the government measures: “If even one ear tag is missing, the authorities impose fines of between 150,000 and 200,000 liras. This practice must finally come to an end.”

DEM Party calls for a solution

DEM MP Yılmaz Hun from the Iğdır constituency sharply criticized the governors' actions and stated: “Every year it's the same thing: the governors create arbitrary hurdles, even though the grazing rights are firmly established. If this continues, the entire regional livestock industry will be doomed.”

Hun pointed to numerous dead animals that had died inside a transporter due to delays and heat. He said his party has already raised the issue in parliament and with the Ministry of Agriculture. However, no solution has been found yet.

Call for immediate lifting of bans

While the nomads remain on the outskirts of Iğdır, they are demanding that the government immediately end the arbitrary restrictions and find a long-term solution for their livelihoods: “We are not beggars, we provide security of supply for the country. If we are denied this, everyone loses, including consumers,” said one affected livestock farmer.