From depths of Amazon to Türkiye: Waorani tribe explores different world

Three members of Ecuador’s Waorani community, known for their isolated lifestyle deep in the Amazon rainforest, recently visited Türkiye through the efforts of social media influencer Alper Rende.

The visit, which took place from Jan. 28 to Feb. 24, 2025, introduced the guests from the Waorani tribe to an entirely different world: urban landscapes, historical landmarks, winter sports, and Turkish cuisine.

Their journey across Türkiye, facilitated by Rende, became a fascinating glimpse into the intersection of modernity and traditional indigenous life.

Why it matters: The visit marked a historic moment for the Waorani tribe members—Mayra, Wareka, and Cominta—as they experienced urban life for the first time.

• They wore modern clothing, boarded a plane, and engaged with Türkiye’s cultural and natural landmarks.
• Coming from dense Amazonian forests, they encountered vastly different environments, from bustling city streets to snowy mountain peaks.
• Their visit brought forward the contrast between traditional indigenous lifestyles and modern society while fostering cross-cultural understanding.

Exploring Türkiye: Completely different from Waorani tribe customs

The journey began in Istanbul, Türkiye’s largest city, where the Waorani guests encountered its bustling streets and diverse cultural heritage.

Their itinerary included Ankara, the capital, where they paid their respects at Anitkabir, the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of the Turkish Republic.

One of the most striking moments of their trip was in Bursa, where they visited Uludag, Türkiye’s famous winter sports destination.

• It was their first encounter with snow – a completely foreign element for people accustomed to the heat and humidity of the Amazon
• While they found the cold weather uncomfortable, they enjoyed activities such as sledding and were fascinated by the concept of skiing
• Despite their reservations about the cold, the experience left a lasting impression

The guests from the Waorani tribe also visited Tuz Golu (Salt Lake), one of Türkiye’s natural wonders, known for its striking white landscape and vast, shallow waters.

In addition to sightseeing, the group was introduced to Turkish cuisine, which they reportedly found delightful. The warmth and hospitality of the Turkish people made them feel at home, and they received gifts to take back to other members of the Waorani tribe and their village.

Alper Rende, who organized the visit, had previously spent significant time with the Waorani in their village. His goal was to bridge two vastly different cultures and allow for a mutual exchange of traditions.

Rende described the project as an opportunity to document their reactions to modern life while also immersing themselves in their way of living.

What do we know about Waorani tribe? Culture hidden in Amazon rainforest

The Waorani tribe, numbering around 2,000, is one of Ecuador’s most well-known indigenous groups.

• Traditionally, they lived as nomadic hunter-gatherers in small clan settlements across the Amazon rainforest, primarily within the modern provinces of Orellana, Napo, and Pastaza
• They maintained one of the largest territories of any indigenous group in Ecuador before external influences significantly reduced their land

Until the mid-20th century, the Waorani tribe remained largely uncontacted. Their first significant encounter with the outside world came in 1956, when five Christian missionaries attempted to reach them.

By 1958, the Waorani had experienced sustained contact, which led to their gradual integration into modern society. Many were relocated to missionary settlements, while others continued to resist outside influence, retreating further into the forest.

Despite modernization, the Waorani tribe has preserved key aspects of its culture:

• Hunting and diet: They are skilled hunters, using blowguns and spears to hunt animals such as monkeys, wild boars, and even caimans. Their diet primarily consists of hunted meat, fish, and gathered fruits, nuts, and tubers. As refrigeration is unavailable in their villages, they consume their catches immediately.
• Community structure: They live in deep rainforest settlements accessible only via extensive canoe travel. Their society follows a communal structure, with families sharing responsibilities for hunting, gathering, and food preparation.
• Marriage customs: Polygamy remains common among many community members.
• Spirituality and traditions: They have a deep spiritual connection to the rainforest and practice rituals tied to nature and ancestral wisdom.

Daily life and challenges of Amazon’s Waorani tribe

Life in the Amazon is both rich in tradition and fraught with challenges. The Waorani face increasing threats to their way of life:

• Environmental threats: Oil drilling, logging, and road construction have led to deforestation and pollution, drastically impacting their land and access to clean water.
• Territorial struggles: Many communities, including those residing within Yasuní National Park, have been fighting for land rights and environmental preservation against government-approved drilling operations.
• Modernization challenges: As some Waorani integrate into Ecuadorian society, they face cultural erosion and economic difficulties. Many struggle to balance preserving their traditions while adapting to a rapidly changing world.

To counter these threats, leaders of the Waorani tribe and organizations have been advocating for territorial protection and environmental preservation. Initiatives such as territorial mapping programs and legal advocacy efforts have been crucial in their resistance against corporate and governmental exploitation.

Exchange of worlds between Waorani tribe and Türkiye

The Waorani’s visit to Türkiye was more than a travel experience—it was a cultural exchange that highlighted the beauty of both indigenous traditions and modern society.

While the Waorani encountered countless surprises in Türkiye – such as cube-shaped sugar and high-tech urban environments—Turkish people, in turn, learned about the resilience and unique customs of a community that has thrived in the Amazon for centuries.

The experience of seeing a world so different from their own left a deep impression on the Waorani guests. Meanwhile, their presence in Türkiye prompted discussions about the importance of preserving indigenous cultures and respecting their way of life amidst increasing global modernization.