Nature photographer Ferzende Coşar feeds turtles in Erciş, Turkey

Ferzende Coşar, a nature photographer based in Erciş district of Van Province, collects stale bread from bakeries, neighbours and restaurants and brings it to the Deliçay fish weir on the Van Lake basin. At set times each day he feeds the resident freshwater turtles, which gather eagerly to receive the crumbs.

His routine has attracted visitors from other regions, especially children and youth, who watch the feeding and learn about respectful wildlife interaction. Social‑media posts of the feeding sessions have increased public interest in the area, prompting locals to join the practice and advocate for the turtles' welfare. Coşar emphasizes that “each creature comes for its own sustenance and should be treated with respect,” urging people not to harm the animals.

The activity has become a small but notable local attraction, raising awareness of the Van Lake ecosystem and encouraging community involvement in protecting its wildlife.