11.05.2026 19:50
With the arrival of spring in Batman's Sason district, naturally growing beet species in the mountains have become an important source of livelihood for the local people. Villagers, who set out on a 3-hour journey with their mules early in the morning, both consume the medicinal herbs they collect on steep cliffs and high mountains and contribute to their family budgets by selling them.
With the arrival of spring in the Sason district of Batman, natural beet species growing in high altitudes have become one of the villagers' sources of income.
THEY SET OFF BEFORE DAWN WITH THEIR MULES
Residents of villages in the district set off with their mules before dawn to reach areas with steep cliffs. After a challenging hike lasting about 3 hours, they collect beet species such as 'zuzuk,' 'gülük,' and 'soras' growing in mountainous areas. These herbs, believed by locals to be medicinal, are both consumed on tables and sold for income.
'WE COOK SOME OF IT, AND SELL THE EXTRA TO CONTRIBUTE TO OUR LIVELIHOOD'
Akif Altuk, who said they set out at dawn for beet collection, stated that the products they gather contribute to the family budget. Altuk said, 'We set off at dawn. We walk for about 3 hours. When we arrive here, we collect the beet species found here. We take some home and cook it. We also sell the extra to support our livelihood. Sometimes we give it to friends and family, and we also stock it for winter. We also send it to those who request it.'
IT ATTRACTS INTENSE INTEREST
Mehmet Tayfur, who said that beet is highly sought after in the region, added that they go to the mountains every spring to collect beet. The medicinal herbs gathered using natural methods maintain their place in the local cuisine while continuing to support their economic life.