18.02.2026 18:57
Feyat Polat, 50 years old, returned to his hometown in the Erciş district of Van from Istanbul, where he had gone to work 17 years ago, 5 years ago. With the support he provided under the 'Return to the Village' project, Polat, who raises 100 sheep in the farm he established in the neighborhood, stated that he increased this number to 680 in 4 years and that he enjoys his work despite the winter conditions.
Feyat Polat, a father of 8 living in Köycük Neighborhood, 30 kilometers away from Erciş district of Van, moved to Istanbul with his family 17 years ago and started working in construction.
RETURNED TO HIS VILLAGE 5 YEARS AGO, INCREASED TO 680 IN 4 YEARS
Polat, who earned his living by working here for years, returned to his hometown 5 years ago. Deciding to engage in animal husbandry in his hometown, Polat took advantage of the support provided by the government's 'Return to Village' projects and bought 100 sheep. Starting small ruminant breeding on the farm he established in the neighborhood, Polat increased the number of sheep in the herd to 680 in 4 years.
"I EARN MY LIVING THROUGH ANIMAL HUSBANDRY"
Feyat Polat, who stated that he takes care of his animals every day despite the snow, blizzards, and freezing cold in winter, said, "After returning to my hometown from Istanbul, where I went to work, I decided to engage in animal husbandry. I bought 100 sheep as part of a government-supported project. I increased this number to 680 in 4 years. I have 8 children. I earn my living through animal husbandry."
"I LOVE THIS JOB DESPITE ALL THE DIFFICULTIES"
Polat expressed that they experience water shortages in the region, saying, "From time to time, I have to transport water for my animals with my vehicle. I requested support from the authorities. They said they would solve this problem. Since we live in a region with difficult geographical conditions, raising small ruminants is naturally challenging here. Despite all the difficulties, I love this job," he said.