How deep is our bond with nonhuman animals? -Anthrozoological findings in pastoral societies of Derik, Southeast Turkey

Abstract

Humans have long engaged with nonhuman animals since the beginning of their journey on the planet Earth. Both human and nonhuman species are co-existing and sharing the world forming multi-dimensional relationships. Although the non-humans are hunted, manipulated, domesticated, consumed and sometimes go extinct by humans, they are also respected, worshiped, symbolized, conserved as well as adored in human societies. For a long time, different academic disciplines have considered the nonhuman animals in a utilitarian approach, considering them as objects for humanity. Therefore, the intangible aspects of emotional (affection & trust) and relational bonds between humans and nonhumans have been commonly unrecognized. However, rapid growing interests are seen on the study of human and non-human animal relationships in contemporary academic discourses, resulted through various approaches of Anthrozoology, an emerging field of Anthropological science. Southeast Anatolia is an important area for pastoralism, agriculture and domestic herds. Animals are considered as fundamental component in every society in this region as well as almost 70% of herd animals in Turkey are grown here. Archaeological evidences also suggest a very long relationship between human and nonhuman animals in this region since the beginning of animal domestication in Early Neolithic period. Therefore, this region is considered as an ideal place in search for the positive relationships between human and nonhuman species. Through exploratory case studies, this field research is aimed to observe humans’ affections and emotions for non-humans in pastoral villages of Southeast Anatolia.