Meet Robinson Ziya: Health Update and Discovering Robinson Island
Ziya Abay, a 86-year-old man and father of 4 children, faced a tragic loss when his wife Emine Abay passed away in a traffic accident back in 1995. Unable to cope with the loss, Abay decided to return to his hometown of Çakırtepe village in the Pertek district of Tunceli after retiring from his antique business in Eskişehir.
Left alone as his children pursued their careers in different cities, Abay found solace on a remote island spanning approximately 80 acres in the Keban Dam Lake basin, which connects Elazığ and Tunceli. For the past 20 years, Abay has dedicated himself to this island, planting over 4 thousand saplings and cultivating a variety of fruits and vegetables. His efforts have turned the once deserted island into a thriving oasis.
Recently, Abay fell ill and had to leave the island for medical treatment. In his absence, Pertek Mayor Recai Vural stepped in to oversee the island. Recognizing Abay’s dedication and hard work, Mayor Vural assured the public that the municipality would continue to support the island’s development, from afforestation to irrigation. He also announced plans to organize tours and boat trips to showcase the island’s beauty to visitors.
Mayor Vural praised Abay’s contribution to the island, emphasizing the thousands of trees and fruit varieties that now thrive there. He declared that the island would not be left unattended and promised to care for it as if it were his own. Abay’s legacy lives on through the island, a testament to his unwavering dedication and love for the land.
As the community comes together to support Abay and preserve his legacy, the island remains a symbol of hope and resilience in the face of adversity. The story of Ziya Abay and his island serves as a reminder of the power of perseverance and the enduring connection between man and nature.
