A young girl collects eggs in the hen house, watched by chickens perched above. For the Zazas, animals share a symbiotic existence with people, honoring a mutualistic relationship central to their Alevi faith.

An elderly Zaza woman’s wall holds family photos, treasured heirlooms, and political literature. This blend reflects both a familial pride and the Zazas’ historic struggle against state suppression and the visible militarization that affects their lives.

The sacred mountain Duzgun Baba stands illuminated at dusk, a revered pilgrimage site for Alevis. Here, worshipers venture to pray, seek wisdom, and reconnect with the sacred nature of their heritage.

A revered tree frames the flowing Munzur River. The river’s waters are sacred to the Zazas, symbolizing life and spirituality—now endangered by plans for hydroelectric dams that could permanently alter this bond.

The source of the Munzur River, known as Munzur Baba, holds a sacred place in Zaza and Alevi beliefs. Pilgrims come here to honor the waters, seeing them as a living connection to nature and divine wisdom. This site, brimming with spiritual significance, faces endangerment from proposed dam projects—a threat not only to the river’s physical flow but to the centuries-old cultural and spiritual practices it sustains.

In the early morning, a Zaza man shovels dung in a cow barn, a labor-intensive part of life in Tunceli. Hard work here is embraced with reverence, a reflection of enduring pride and deep commitment to the land.

Fruits from local trees are dried at a Zaza home, later transformed into marmalade. Passed through generations, this ritual preserves their heritage, adding sweetness to meals shared with loved ones year-round.

An elderly woman’s daughter braids her hair with ribbons, a disappearing tradition as younger generations move away. Such customs, intricate and enduring, reflect an identity at risk of fading.

An 83-year-old crafts a vase, continuing a fading Anatolian art form. Pottery once held cultural significance across the region, now a rarity preserved by a few skilled hands.

A Zaza woman serves her cat fresh milk from the barn, a tender act that reflects the Zaza’s shared life with animals: a quiet, nurturing relationship.

Beside a fire, one friend brews tea while another plays the bağlama, singing traditional Zaza ballads. These songs, handed down through generations, carry stories that keep their cultural memory alive.

Freshly foraged garlic rests on the table, reflecting the Zaza tradition of gathering wild plants. Garlic, truffles, and mushrooms are valued in Zaza culture, foraged with care and pride.

An Alevi guardian stands before a stone adorned with ribbons and candles, watching for bears. Vigilance and reverence for nature’s balance define his role in this sacred space.

An elderly Zaza woman stands by her flower garden in traditional dress. Her attire, richly symbolic and intricate, mirrors the vibrancy of Zaza identity still cherished within the community.

Against a rugged landscape, a Zaza woman rides an ATV to tend her cows. This landscape not only supports their way of life but shields them from outside threats.

Wading through the Munzur River’s source, a woman joins others in prayer, a practice tied to Alevi animism that honors nature as a living force.

A Zaza man lights a candle at the Munzur source, a quiet act of devotion that connects the living with generations who worshipped in these waters.

A Zaza woman tenderly milks her cow while its calf curiously peers around, hoping for its own meal. This scene reflects the Zaza’s deep bond with their livestock and the land. Such moments of daily life highlight a culture where nurturing and interdependence are woven into routine.

Wrinkled hands bearing family rings tell stories of loss and resilience. For Zazas, family and heritage are precious, symbols of their collective survival.

An elder strums the bağlama, singing tales of Alevi origins. This music weaves their history and beliefs into song, keeping Alevi culture alive through rhythm and verse.