The Turkish General Directorate for Security has closed some areas in the Van province for foreign visitors. Altogether 31 mountains, 11 hills and 6 alps (yayla) are closed for tourists until the end of the year. (Source: NTV, 6 April 07)

Why???

Breaking News 9 July 2005

Sheep are generally not known for their intelligence. This was verified in the Turkish village of Gevas, Van province yesterday, when 450 of the woolly creatures followed each other in jumping to the deaths. The Turkish newspaper Radikal reported on Friday that almost a third of a flock of 1,500 sheep incomprehensibly tried to jump across a 15-metre ravine. Naturally their long-jump skills were not up to the leap and, one after another, they plunged to their deaths into the chasm below.

Stunned shepherds were left as helpless onlookers, unable to prevent their animals’ nonsensical suicide mission. The lemming-like incident is a financial calamity for the village, which has calculated it has lost up to $100,000. Villager Umit Ozalan said he was distraught with grief. He said: “This is a catastrophe. I am financially ruined. I always thought sheep had some grey matter between their ears. I have lost all of my respect for sheep.” Mr. Ozalan said he would switch to chicken farming.

You know the Burn-Out-Syndrom?

Not with sheep.

Maybe you have some insider info on that?

I assuming the restrictions are to with the military build up against the PKK and the preparations for possible Turkish military offensives in northern Iraq, pending political agreement. The likely breaking point in the strained relations between Turkey and the Kurdish government in northern Iraq is likely to come with the upcoming referendum over control of Kirkuk, likely to pass into Kurdish control. The don't really want tourists tramping around areas along the borders likely to see military action.

450 sheep, $ 100,000 ???? maybe that's what they put on the insurance claim form but it's complete nonsense.