Meet Turkish Robinson Crusoe who planted 4,000 trees on deserted island
After losing his wife in a traffic accident, 86-year-old Ziya Abay settled on an island in the Keban Dam Lake Basin, which he discovered upon returning to his hometown, building a cabin 15 years ago. He transformed the area into a natural wonder by planting over 4,000 saplings. (IHA Photo)
Ziya Abay, an 80-year-old man, has spent the last 20 years transforming an uninhabited island in the Keban Dam Reservoir area into a lush green paradise. After losing his wife in a tragic traffic accident, Ziya returned to his homeland in Tunceli, where he discovered a small, barren island with no trees.
Over the years, he planted 4,000 saplings, growing a variety of fruits and vegetables. Ziya’s solitary life on the island, marked by hard work and dedication, brings to mind the famous “Robinson Crusoe” story.
Having spent years working in antiques in Eskisehir, Ziya Abay lost his wife, Emine Abay, in a traffic accident in 1995. Unable to move on, he moved back to his hometown, Cakirtepe, in Pertek, Tunceli, after retiring. There, he discovered a 80-decare island with no trees, situated in the middle of the Keban Dam Reservoir, which connects Elazig and Tunceli. Ziya bought a small boat and began living alone on the island, eventually constructing a tiny cabin. Over the next 20 years, he planted 4,000 trees, turning the barren island into a vibrant oasis.
Without electricity or running water, Ziya survived by cultivating his own food, returning to town only once every two weeks to collect supplies. He tends to his plants, which include chestnut, grape, cherry, and apricot trees, and finds peace and strength in his work. He has stated that he wishes to live there for the rest of his life.
In an interview with Ihlas News Agency (IHA), Ziya Abay said, “I’m happy and at peace. I don’t go to cafés; I stay here on the island. I plant vegetables and have all kinds of fruit trees. The island is my sanctuary.”
Ziya Dede’s story becomes a documentary
The remarkable life of Ziya Abay, whose dedication to reforestation on the island earned him the nickname “Real Robinson Crusoe,” caught the attention of award-winning academic Turgay Kural.
Kural created a documentary about Ziya’s life, titled “Ada’m,” after conducting 15 days of filming on the island with solar panels providing the necessary electricity.
Turgay Kural, the director, shared his excitement about the project: “Ziya Abay’s deep love for his wife and his decision to create something beautiful in her memory by planting thousands of trees really moved us. His hardworking nature and humility made the story even more special. We hope our documentary will bring awareness to his incredible journey.”
Life of dedication, hard work
Ziya Abay’s life on the island was more than just a story of solitude—it was a labor of love.
He shared his thoughts on his wife and their life together, reflecting on how he continues to honor her by planting trees, saying, “I loved her very much, and she loved me. When I heard of her death in a traffic accident, I was devastated. She loved trees, and I came to the island to plant trees in her memory.”
Pertek Municipality takes over care of island
In recent months, Ziya Abay’s health has declined, and he is no longer able to visit the island. Recognizing his dedication, Pertek Mayor Recai Vural assured the public that the island would not be left unattended.
The municipality has pledged to continue the care of the island, ensuring that the trees and plants Ziya Abay worked so hard to cultivate will continue to thrive. Mayor Vural also mentioned that once the island is restored, boat tours will be organized for visitors.
