The Migration of Mohammadyar’s Family

Chapter 3 ( Spring 2025)

Mohammadyar, the eldest of the brothers, still continued to walk this ancient trail on foot, unlike his younger brothers. One of his sons, who had accompanied him during the previous migration, married that year and settled permanently. Even so, Mohammadyar was still able to manage the journey more easily than many other nomads. What made this difficult trail possible was not only his physical strength, but also the size of his family. In nomadic life, the journey can continue only when there are enough people to care for the flock, gather the belongings, cook, bake bread, and handle the daily responsibilities. Mohammadyar’s large family still provided that support.

Years ago, Mohammadyar formed a larger family through a second marriage. He has six children with his second wife: five sons and one daughter. His eldest son from his first marriage also took part in the migration with his wife and their four children, traveling with a separate flock. Their youngest child had been born recently and joined the journey on his wife’s back.

Together, they crossed icy rivers, snow-covered mountain passes, and high mountain pastures, where each member of the family took on a specific responsibility.

Three weeks later, the group traveling on foot reached the summer pastures. Afterward, other nomads who were unable to make the journey on foot, including Mohammadyar’s brothers and nephews, transported their flocks to the same area in rented vehicles, where fresh grass once again covered the slopes of the Zagros Mountains.