The WaterBlog

Donkey Dignity

By Frank van Steenbergen and Sukru Esin Postcard from Mardin, Southeast Anatolia in the valley of martyrs. In the narrow streets of this beautiful and fascinating town, vehicles cannot move yet garbage has to be collected. Cleanliness is part of culture in Southeast Anatolia and so to remove waste, donkeys are deployed. There not just deployed, they have rights almost like government servants. They are registered and are entitled to health care and retirement. They have adequate food and night shelter. They are engaged every other day given time to recuperate. It is dignity shown to those that work and the dignity of those that give this respect. In a small town called Mardin, there exists a group of extraordinary workers who quietly carry out their daily tasks. However, these diligent individuals are not typical employees, they are donkeys. From 6 am to 11 am, and again from 2 pm to 6 pm, these hardworking donkeys dedicate themselves to cleaning… Continued