Terekeme Society, 2009 - 2011

Karapapaks, often referred to as Terekeme, are defined as a sub-ethnic group of Azerbaijani Turks. Georgia and Azerbaijan, as well as Karapapaks the most densely inhabited areas, especially in the Eastern Anatolia region of Turkey, including Kars. A very significant part of the population in Kars, Igdir, and Ardahan is Karapapak. In these regions, the name Terekeme is mostly used.

In 2010 and 2011, I traveled to Zavot (Buyuk Bogatepe), Ortagedik and Kucukcatma Terekeme villages in Kars. I witnessed the establishment Turkey's second village museum, the cheese museum in Zavot village. I photographed the story of cheddar cheese made from cows living in clean and rich pastures. I was a guest in the water mills established by the ancient people of the region, the Malakans. I was a guest at traditional village weddings. I used horse-drawn sleighs on frozen roads in winter.

I like my job. Life must be such a thing.