In the mystical silence

A rainy day crossing a mountain pass to Munzur National Park: Founded in 1971, the park in the eastern Anatolian province of Tunceli is considered one of the most biodiverse in Turkey. Over 1,500 plant species, many of them endemic, grow here – between rocks, on mountain slopes and along the clear Munzur springs. Brown bears, lynxes and wild goats roam the forests. Particularly spectacular: in spring, poppy and wild tulip fields cover entire slopes in bright red and yellow.

However, the Munzur Mountains are not only a refuge for flora and fauna, but also a place of deep spiritual significance for the Alevi-Kurdish population of the region. Holy springs, such as the Munzur Eyes, are still visited by pilgrims today. Between myth and nature, a landscape emerges that is more than just a backdrop – it tells stories. | Turkey