Poyrazköy fishermen exapand their journeys to African shores

The fishing village of Poyrazköy in Istanbul has borne witness to intriguing tales of fishermen venturing to Africa, navigating vast distances and spending months at sea to ply their trade.

This hamlet of approximately 500 households, situated in the northern district of Beykoz, has seen its population dwindle by half in recent decades due to migration toward more urbanized areas. The economic hardship faced by those who stay in the village has propelled many to seek their fortunes in African waters.

The Poyrazköy-Africa fishing route, established nearly 10 years ago, has ensnared an increasing number of Turkish fishermen.

"One of the villagers traveled to Mauritania by road, went fishing there, and discovered the local fish species. Under an agreement, the initiative began with two boats in 2016, and now around eight to 10 vessels have made the journey," fisherman İhsan Türkmen told daily Milliyet.

Those who venture abroad return for a month's leave every three months before heading back to sea.

On this arduous bread-earning journey, which stretches from this tranquil village to Mauritania, Guinea and Guinea-Bissau, many have attempted but failed, returning to Poyrazköy after finding the conditions too difficult to endure.

"Living in Africa is tough. The fishermen never leave their boats, except for occasional trips ashore to purchase supplies. For the remaining time, they are perpetually aboard, anchored offshore for three months straight," Türkmen explained.

Their voyage to Africa takes 13 days, and after such a protracted journey, they sell their catch to local factories, which process the fish into fishmeal and oil.

Unlike in Türkiye, the concept of a fishing season does not exist in Africa, as fishing...