Returning to Village Life After Retirement: The Story of Vehbi Okur

The Story of Vehbi Okur’s Return to Village Life After Retirement

6 February earthquake after serving in the earthquake zone, 58-year-old Vehbi Okur, who retired from his duty at the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Fire Department, returned to his village in Tokat and started the early harvest of cherries on 300 trees in a 7-acre land.

Decision to Return from Istanbul to the Village

After working for many years at the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Fire Department, Vehbi Okur retired, influenced by the scene he witnessed during the earthquake. He decided to return to his ancestral lands in the village of Buyuk Yildiz, affiliated with Tokat, where he was born.

After retiring, Okur, who plans to engage in cherry trade in his village, started the early harvest of cherries from the trees on the land inherited from his father. Preferring a life connected to the land, Okur enjoys the tranquility of village life and the pleasure of being close to nature.

The Effect of the Earthquake and Future Plans

Stating that the impact of the 6th of February earthquake was significant in his return to ancestral lands, Vehbi Okur expressed that he decided to move away from city life considering the expected major earthquake in Istanbul. Planning to start various agricultural activities besides the cherry harvest on his field, Okur aims to lead a healthy and peaceful life in his village. Considering reducing his connection to Istanbul and fully adapting to village life, Okur eagerly awaits the happy days he will spend on the lands of his village and his passion for nature.