Families are continuing to return to villages in the eastern Turkish province of Muş that were abandoned more than three decades ago due to attacks by the PKK terrorist group, rebuilding homes and reviving agriculture as improved security and infrastructure encourage resettlement.
Among the villages witnessing renewed life is Kayalısu, located about 34 kilometers (21 miles) from Muş city center. Once largely deserted following terrorist attacks in 1993, the village is gradually being repopulated as former residents return to land inherited from their families.
Many of the returnees are constructing new homes to replace those destroyed or left uninhabitable after years of abandonment. At the same time, they are resuming farming, livestock breeding, viticulture and gardening, restoring the area's traditional sources of income.
Authorities have also expanded infrastructure projects in villages that were previously evacuated because of terrorism. Roads, drinking water networks and electricity have been extended to support returning residents, while additional efforts to improve living conditions are ongoing.
Kayalısu village head Bilal Erez said returns have accelerated in recent years as security has improved, encouraging families who had migrated to major cities to come back.
