The White Mountain is the name given to the Taurus mountains two hours drive inland from the village of Patara on the Turquoise coast of southern Turkey. We met Muzzafer Otlu in September 2018, and again when we returned in 2019. Muzzafer is the same age as me, born in 1953, and he recalls his early childhood, when his family were still living a nomadic life. They would leave their permanent home in Patara during the summer, and travel to the countryside around Elmlali where the climate in the mountains was cooler and more hospitable. The journey of about 100 km took three days – with camels and donkeys, and sheep and goats heading to the pastures for summer grazing. We visited the valley where they spent the summers. An idyllic place a few km from a small village called Islamar. (it would have had a greek name then). The song tries to capture something of that journey and that nomadic life.
The journey is long, the way is hard
From our house on the coast to a tent neath the stars
Together we dream as the White Mountain calls
The time has now come, the hot air is so still
From the rays of the sun, to the cool of the hills
Together we go as the White Mountain calls
Step by step, hour by hour
Day by day, until we reach our home
The smell of the pine, the clear water streams
From fields that are brown to pastures of green
Together we go as the White Mountain calls
The tents are pitched, the food is blest
We watch as the sun dies in the west
Together we dance as the White Mountain calls
Step by step, hour by hour
Day by day, until we reach our home
The fires are lit, the dogs keep watch
All through the night taking care of the flocks
Together we sit as the White Mountain calls
Step by step, hour by hour
Day by day, until we reach our home
The people we love, the place we belong
Shadows remembered, the Singer of Songs
Surrounding our steps, as we journey on
Together we leave, as the White Mountain calls
Together we leave, as the White Mountain calls
White Mountain: words & music: Jonathan Evans
Five Short Words 