Camels and the Last Nomadic Pastoralists of Anatolia (Türkiye)

Abstract

We explore the complex relationships between camels and humans, focusing on the agency of both within the last remaining nomadic and semi-nomadic pastoral communities in Anatolia. Among the nomadic Y & ouml;r & uuml;ks of the Taurus Mountains and the semi-nomadic Ko & ccedil;ers around Mount Karacada & gbreve;, camels are valued not only for their practical roles in transport and transhumance but also as revered companions, symbolizing social prestige and family heritage. We highlight how camels and humans co-create multispecies pastoral landscapes based on mutual recognition, emotional bonds, and shared environmental adaptation. Our approach particularly emphasizes the ethical, emotional, and relational aspects of camel-human coexistence that might otherwise be overlooked in purely functional or utilitarian perspectives.