Yaren (Stork)

Yaren the stork is a migratory bird known for returning each spring to the village of Eskikaraağaç in the Karacabey district of Bursa, Türkiye, where it has formed a bond with fisherman Adem Yılmaz. First seen landing on Yılmaz’s boat in 2011 and joining him for fishing trips, Yaren has returned to the village every year after migration and spent time with Yılmaz ever since.

Eskikaraağaç is a village that is part of the European Stork Villages Network and is known for its harmonious coexistence with nature. Yaren’s annual return to this region holds great significance for nature conservation. The friendship between Yaren and Adem Yılmaz has garnered national and international attention and has significantly contributed to promoting the region.

^{"Yaren" the stork arrived in Bursa for its 14th year at its nest overlooking the lake -Anadolu Ajansı}

Yaren is a white stork (Ciconia ciconia), a migratory bird distinguished by its long legs, sharp beak, and black-and-white plumage. This species typically migrates between Europe, Asia and Africa, moving northward in spring to breed. Yaren remains faithful to this pattern, returning each spring to Eskikaraağaç to reside there.

In 2023, Yaren’s nest was live-streamed by the Karacabey Municipality, during which four chicks were observed. One of these chicks was ringed in 2021 and tracked; it returned to Bursa in 2022, following its family’s migration route.

The most remarkable feature of Yaren the stork is its bond with Adem Yılmaz. Since 2011, every spring Yaren lands on Yılmaz’s boat and joins him for fishing, sometimes resting on the boat and other times waiting beside him for the catch to be prepared for food.

^{The annual meeting of Yaren the stork and Adem Yılmaz -Anadolu Ajansı}

This unique friendship has been closely followed not only by the local community but also by people around the world. Yaren’s annual return is regarded as one of the most beautiful examples of the relationship between nature and humans.

The friendship between Yaren the stork and Adem Yılmaz has been the subject of documentaries and books. In 2019, nature documentary filmmaker Burak Doğansoysal produced a documentary titled “Yaren,” which won the award for Best Documentary at the Prague Film Awards.

In addition, Yaren’s story has been published as a children’s book designed to instill a love of nature in young readers.