Residents of Bogdi village, located in the Koya district, continue a unique and centuries-old tradition that draws attention from across the region. Every year, they walk 35 kilometers back to their village, covering the distance on foot in a remarkable show of endurance and community spirit.
The journey begins at 6 a.m. each year, as villagers set out from Koya and make the 10-hour trek back to their homes in Bogdi. Although many of the participants now live in various locations, the event serves as a chance for them to reconnect and reunite with their roots.
What sets this tradition apart is the significant participation of women alongside the men. With remarkable stamina, the women walk the entire distance, proving their equal strength and resilience. “This tradition, besides being a form of exercise, is a living link to our ancestors who traveled this same route on foot,” one resident explains.
As news of the event spread, the tradition has gained widespread attention, with numerous media outlets in Kurdistan covering the event. What started as a local custom has now become a celebrated occasion, attracting the interest of people across the region.
