Traveler Öcün: "Bilgin, today we’ll be visiting Burunoba Village. Located 1020 meters above sea level, north of Karaman's center, this village has a fascinating history. It’s surrounded by natural beauty and is significant for both agriculture and livestock. Back in 1894, the population was 130, but by 2014, it had declined to 234. Though the population fluctuates, the village has retained a strong connection to its past."
Scholar Öznil: "Absolutely! The history of this village traces back to the ancient settlement of Suğur, and its name even appears in 16th-century Ottoman waqf records. Around 1755, villagers from the Hotamış tribe settled here, along with various other communities. The area served as both summer and winter pastures, and the village itself was established as a 'derbend' center—a strategic passage point. Suğur’s role as a 'derbend' made it a vital place for settlement."
Traveler Öcün: "Exactly. Suğur and its surroundings were once home to various tribes, especially the Turkmen. In 1941, it became part of Karaman District, bordering numerous other villages over time. Its population reached 274 in 1945 and 330 in 1955, but unfortunately, it has since declined, with only 234 people residing here by 2014."
Scholar Öznil: "Fluctuating population levels are common in such settlements as people come and go. Burunoba Village is an intriguing example. Over time, immigrants from different Turkmen tribes, including the Aydınlı and Bayad, settled here. The mixed community structure in the area reflects the Ottoman policies of settlement. The presence of diverse tribes and families allowed different cultures and traditions to coexist here."
Traveler Öcün: "Indeed. To understand the area better, we should look at the settlement patterns of Burunoba. Communities that arrived in the 1760s diversified further with a few households arriving from Aksaray in 1799. Each group settled and eventually integrated with the others. One of the most notable families in the area is that of Süleyman Koca. He developed vast lands for agriculture, playing a crucial role in shaping the village as it is today."
Scholar Öznil: "What a story! Süleyman Koca’s efforts not only boosted agriculture but also helped the village prosper through trade with caravans. His wife, Şerife Kadın, was also a remarkable figure. Thanks to her skills and contributions, the family achieved significant success, leading to the family name ‘Şerifoğulları.’"
Traveler Öcün: "These types of settlements reveal the resilience and adaptability of village communities. Burunoba holds both historical and cultural wealth, and its residents sustain themselves through agriculture and livestock. Transhumance is still practiced as villagers move toward Mount Çakır, where they raise sheep. Truly a village rich in culture."
Scholar Öznil: "This village has preserved many traces of the past. With both its natural beauty and cultural heritage, Burunoba remains an integral part of Karaman. It’s certainly a place worth visiting!"
