‘Bird lady’: Turkey’s most interesting jobs, part I

KAYSERİ

A woman in the Central Anatolian province of Kayseri, who sells various services related to her parakeet for 1 Turkish Lira, has one of the most interesting jobs in Turkey. 

Demirören News Agency reported on Sept. 3 that Züleyha Yaman, 32, hangs around in a Kayseri street with her birds standing on her head.

Taking a photo with the bird, petting the bird, touching the bird, and asking questions about the bird cost 1 Turkish Lira each, according to a placard that Yaman carries with her on the Ottoman Street.

“I bought my first parakeet seven years ago. I bought another one whenever something happened to it. They never fly away from me,” Yaman told the agency.

“I have a bird at home with a broken wing. I’m trying to collect money, probably around 500 liras, for its treatment,” she added.

Yaman complained that she cannot take a bus or tram because birds are not allowed in the vehicles.

“They don’t do any harm,” she insisted, questioning the ban.