A centenarian from Iraq’s Kurdistan Region has become a symbol of environmental stewardship after dedicating nearly 90 years to protecting thousands of trees in his mountain village.
Mustafa Sulaiman, who is more than 100 years old, has spent most of his life caring for over 7,000 trees in Hatka village, located in the Bradost mountain range northeast of Erbil. Some of the trees are believed to be around 300 years old.
Sulaiman said he began looking after the forest when he was just 10 years old and has since passed his knowledge to generations of his family.
Today, more than 150 relatives, including his sons, grandchildren and nephews, continue the work of protecting the village’s trees from illegal cutting and ensuring the landscape is preserved.
Despite his age, Sulaiman remains active, regularly walking through the hills to inspect the trees. His family says he has always stressed the importance of caring for nature and respecting the environment.
The trees also play an important role in the village’s livelihood. Pruned branches and leaves are used as winter feed for livestock, while dried wood serves as firewood. The trees also produce fruit and acorns, providing additional resources for local families.
