The Friendship of Yaren the Stork and Fisherman Adem Yılmaz Told in Izmir

The friendship story between fisherman Adem Yılmaz and Yaren the Stork, which began on the shores of Lake Uluabat in Bursa's Eskikaraağaç village and reached an international dimension, was presented to the audience at the Izmir Arts Center by wildlife photographer Alper Tüydeş.

The Talk Held in Izmir

The unique companionship between Yaren the Stork, who set out from Bursa and became the subject of documentaries, and fisherman Adem Yılmaz, was discussed at an event held at the Izmir Arts Center. Wildlife photographer Alper Tüydeş shared the process of documenting this friendship with the participants.

Throughout the program, special photo and video screenings were presented, and the event concluded with a Q&A session where participants asked questions, followed by a book-signing event by Alper Tüydeş.

The Beginning and Development of the Story

Fisherman Adem Yılmaz recounted his friendship that started in 2011 with the stork landing on his boat. Yılmaz stated that he realized the stork was hungry when it landed on his boat in the early years and fed it by giving it fish.

Stating that the bond between them grew stronger over years, Yılmaz expressed that he named the stork Yaren 5 years later, and with the nest moving near his house, they have been constantly side by side during migration periods.

Alper Tüydeş's Evaluations

Wildlife photographer Alper Tüydeş stated that he has been photographing wildlife since 2000 and is happy to play a role in making this story recognized worldwide. Tüydeş emphasized that the story has been embraced by everyone.

Tüydeş added that with Yaren's fame, Adem Yılmaz has also paid many visits at home and abroad and traveled to different places like a migratory bird.