13.03.2025 15:10
Fisherman Adem Yılmaz and Yaren the stork, whose stories have been the subject of films, have not yet arrived this year. Yaren the stork's late arrival this year has caused concern due to her age.
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The herald of spring, the storks' migration journey from Africa to their nests in Anatolia, the Balkans, and European countries has begun. Since the beginning of March, thousands of storks have entered Anatolia through the Hatay Belen pass and migrated to Istanbul, with Yaren the stork being one of the most curious cases. In previous years, Yaren the stork arrived at her nest in Karacabey, Bursa, as early as February 26 and as late as March 15. This year, her late arrival has raised concerns due to her age.
DOCUMENTING THIS STORY FOR 14 YEARS Nature observer Alper Tüydeş, who has been announcing the arrival of Yaren the stork and her story with 'Uncle Adem' to the world for 14 years, stated that they are waiting for Yaren among every flock of storks that arrives. Alper Tüydeş noted that Uncle Adem and millions of fans are watching for Yaren the stork's return, saying, "We have been following this story for 14 years. Yaren has been using that nest for 14 years. Since it takes 4 years to reach adulthood, we estimate that Yaren is at least 18-19 years old. But there is also a possibility that she is older. Experts say that the average lifespan of storks today is 15 years. So, in this case, every autumn when we bid farewell to Yaren, the anxiety of 'Will she come back next year?' increases. Nowadays, there are many natural and human factors affecting storks and other migratory birds, and as such, every year, thousands of Yaren fans like Uncle Adem and I experience this anxiety. We still have hope," he said.
HOPEFULLY WAITED FOR IN EVERY FLOCK Expressing that they are waiting until March 15, Alper Tüydeş said, "After that, we will continue to hope more anxiously. We have accustomed ourselves to all outcomes and are ready for possibilities. Besides her mission in nature, Yaren the stork has made people love birds and storks, showing how arduous the migration journey is. She has also been a means of demonstrating how difficult nature is in its current state. So we did not just romanticize this story. In fact, we used this story as a tool to explain nature to people beyond romanticizing it. Yaren the stork has done her part and created an interaction that reaches millions around her. Today, we see posts all over Turkey saying, 'Hopefully, Yaren is among them,' and we are very happy. We wait with hope in every flock of storks, wondering, 'Is Yaren among them?'" he said.
WAITING FOR YAREN In a post titled 'Waiting for Yaren,' Alper Tüydeş addressed the fans of Yaren the stork:
"There is a saying I have loved and said while waiting for Yaren the stork for years; 'We have all become Adem, waiting for Yaren.' Yaren has a history of returning from migration to the stork village as early as February 26 and as late as March 15. The critical threshold is March 15. So, the last week will be days when our expectations will be very high. Social media is filled with people who ruin the story for clicks. Nevertheless, I see every day in messages and comments that there are those who tie their hope, joy, and luck to Yaren the stork. Of course, I am very happy about this situation. I took this photo during such a waiting period in the past. Uncle Adem is much more anxious and worried than all of us. But he is also aware of every possibility. A small note for those waiting for Yaren live on screen: seeing her on camera does not mean she has arrived. It is impossible to say that without seeing her land on the boat. In the past, we waited for 2 days, even after she came back from migration and landed in her nest. Because storks can land in other storks' nests. I say this to avoid experiencing joy and sadness at the same time. Sending lots of love and greetings to everyone who has become one with this story. I hope this year the story will come true, and we will all rejoice."
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