21.06.2026 13:10
İbrahim Aydemir, 57, who lives in Erzincan, has been spending 6 months of the year for 40 years on a plateau at the foot of Keşiş Mountain. Aydemir, who lives alone with his cattle in a makeshift hut and keeps watch against bears and wolves at night, drew attention with his words, 'Don't send me to Antalya, send me to the mountains, I'll be happier.'
Ibrahim Aydemir, a father of three living in the village of Bayırbağ in the Üzümlü district of Erzincan, has been engaged in livestock farming since the age of 17. With the melting of snow in April, Aydemir takes his animals to the plateau at an altitude of 2,200 meters at the foot of Mount Keşiş, which is around 3,000 meters high.
LIVING ALONE ON THE PLATEAU FOR 40 YEARS
Aydemir, who spends his days grazing his animals until snowfall, has been maintaining the plateau tradition for 40 years. While living in a makeshift hut set up on the plateau, he meets his electricity needs through solar panels and obtains water from natural sources. Stating that he is satisfied with his life despite the difficulties of mountain life, Aydemir said he has to be especially careful against wild animals at night.
"I AM A PERSON WHO LOVES LONELINESS"
57-year-old Aydemir said, "Living alone is hard. The easiest thing is to eat bread, but even that you cannot swallow without chewing. Especially at night, wild animals like bears and wolves come to harm the cows. I keep watch and try to prevent them from causing harm. I protect myself from the many bears in the area with the help of my dogs. I am a person who loves loneliness, I am satisfied with my life. Instead of sending me on a vacation to Antalya, let them send me to the mountains, I would be happier."