Turkish shepherds fight 'Siberian' cold to tend flocks

By Ismail Hakki Demir</p> <p>KAHRAMANMARAS, Turkey (AA) – Even as spring is dawning elsewhere in Turkey, shepherds in a region known as the “Siberia of the Mediterranean” continue to struggle to keep their flocks fed and healthy in the face of bitter cold.</p> <p>At sunrise, shepherds lead their flocks to Mt. Berit, trekking miles through the cold of Goksun, in the south-central Kahramanmaras province.</p> <p>The sheep and goats graze wherever they can find a patch of green, as snow still covers much of the ground in Ericek, an area some 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) above sea level.</p> <p>The Kangal shepherd dogs, famed as herders' best friend across Anatolia, protect the livestock and shepherds alike. </p> <p>Tough, large, and very strong, with sharp sight and hearing, Kangals prove a match to most predators who might threaten the herd.</p> <p>Taking a break from their duties tending the flock, shepherds fill their kettles with snow, brew some tea, and take in a simple lunch.</p> <p>Hüseyin Gurbuz, a local shepherd, says his job can be easy or harder, depending on the season.</p> <p>&quot;Here we’re at the Siberia of the Mediterranean, the highest point in Kahramanmaras,” he told Anadolu Agency. </p> <p>“There’s always snow here, sometimes up to three meters high. But everything is definitely much easier in the summer.&quot; </p> <p>Another shepherd, Sinan Koca, said he will continue working hard to earn a living in the face of bitter cold odds. </p> <p>* Writing by Vakkas Dogantekin </p> <p>