In the Kurdish regions of Western Iran, the Kurdish term Kolbari (being a porter) is coined to describe transporting goods across the border on shoulders in exchange for a small amount of money. As a result of poverty and high unemployment rates, Kurdish porters strive for a living under harsh environmental conditions, mostly in the Zagros mountains located on the border of the two countries. Due to customs laws in the years following the revolution, the government has forbidden the importation of some goods, including electrical goods, electronics, clothing, and so forth — transportation is considered smuggling.
Mostly ranging from 12 to 65 years old, Kolbars do border crossing, with heavy loads, taking an average of 8 to 12 hours — routes are located in life-endangering locations including winding mountain trails, valleys, steep hills, narrow passages through high cliffs, among others. The risk of being shot by border patrols adds to the hazards Kolbars have to face in pursuit of a living. According to statistics, 300 Kolbars die annually, 71 percent of whom are shot to death by border patrols.
With Kolbari not being recognized as a “profession” in Iran as well as being considered illegal by the government, Kolbari as well as their families are not supported in any way.
1
One of the countless crossings that the Koolbars have to pass by carrying items weighing more than 50 kilos in long distances. These passages are one of the main causes of the death of Koolbars. they usually leave late at night to cross the border early in the morning. Kurdistan, Iran, June 2019
2
A Koolbar eating snow on the Koolbari path. Koolbars usually eat snow or water from springs on the way to quench their thirst because they are not able to carry water or other additional loads due to the heavy load. Kurdistan, Iraq, June 2019
3
A man is reviving Dariush Shukri, a 22-year-old young man who was caught in an avalanche on one of the paths in Koolbari. People’s efforts to revive him did not work. his friend also died beside him. The avalanche is one of the causes of the death of Koolbars. Kurdistan, Iran, Jan 2017
4
Kolbars at the zero point of the border on the Iranian side carefully change the plastic coverings of their goods, ensuring they are presented in optimal condition to the main owners. Should the cargo sustain any damage during the journey, the Kolbars are held financially responsible, often having to cover a significant portion or the entire cost of the goods. Kurdistan, Iran, March 2022.
5
An invisible part of the Kolbari flow is the families of Koolbaran, whose expectations and apprehension have become a part of their lives. Dozens of brides become widows every year because of these killings. Kurdistan, Iran, March 2023
6
M. K., 21, from Baneh, was shot in the leg by border patrol forces in June 2024. Each year, hundreds of Kolbars are killed or wounded by direct gunfire from the border patrols along this perilous route, where the threat of violence looms with every step. Kurdistan, Iran, December 2024.
7
An avalanche blankets one of the Kolbari routes. Yet, a ray of sunlight pierces through the chaos, casting an almost divine glow over the scene—a fleeting symbol of hope amidst the struggle for survival. Each year, avalanches and extreme colds are among the leading causes of death for many Kolbars. However, for the Kolbars, even nature’s harshest trials cannot extinguish their resilience. Kurdistan, Iran, January 2024.
8
Koolbars do cupped once every few months. They believe that cupping, apart from removing excess blood from their body, creates new blood in the body, which gives them more power to carry goods. Kurdistan, Iran, March 2022
9
Mostly ranging from 12 to 65 years old, Koolbars do border crossing, with heavy loads, taking an average of 8 to 12 hours — routes are located in life-endangering locations including winding mountain trails, valleys, steep hills, and narrow passages. Kurdistan, Iran, March 2022
10
A view of one of the border villages of Kurdistan and the outpost of the border regiment on the heights of the surrounding mountains. These borders are the main borders for illegally transporting goods from other countries inside Iran. Kurdistan, Iran, march 2022