The eastern Turkish city of Van is currently experiencing a striking geographical phenomenon, hosting two distinct seasons simultaneously. High in the mountains at the 3,000-meter Karabet Pass, harsh winter conditions persist into April with towering snowdrifts reaching up to three meters deep. In stark contrast, the city center and lower-lying districts are already basking in warm spring weather characterized by sunny skies and blooming flowers. This sharp climatic divide offers a unique and dramatic landscape for both locals and visitors. Consequently, shepherds in the warmer valleys have finally begun leading their flocks out to fresh pastures, even as intense snow-clearing efforts continue at higher altitudes.
Şükrü Akyüz – Ahmet Kavak