Adventure in Nomadic Life: Kavus and the Kids Build the Wall of the Cow Room!
In the vast, untamed hills of Iran, where the mountains meet the open skies, Kavus and his family led a life that had been passed down for generations. As nomads, they traveled across the rugged terrain, moving with the seasons and their herds of cattle, goats, and sheep. Their home was not just a building—it was an ever-changing collection of tents, shelters, and sometimes, structures they built from scratch in the wilderness. One of the most important tasks in their nomadic lifestyle was constructing a safe and warm place for their cows, especially when the colder months arrived. And this year, it was Kavus and his children who had the responsibility of building the wall of the cow room.
Setting the Scene: The Need for a Cow Room
As autumn approached, Kavus knew it was time to prepare for the long winter ahead. The nomads didn’t have the luxury of staying in one place during the cold months, but they needed to make sure their livestock was protected from the harsh weather, especially the cows, which were sensitive to the cold. The cow room, a simple yet vital structure, would offer shelter from the snow, wind, and freezing temperatures. The wall that needed to be built would be the barrier between the cows and the cold outside world.
The spot they had chosen for the cow room was a flat area near the riverbank, where the ground was firm, and the resources were plentiful. There was an abundance of stone, mud, and timber, all of which were essential materials for the task. The wall had to be sturdy enough to keep the cows safe but also easy to dismantle when it was time to move on to new pastures. For Kavus and his children, this task was not just about practicality—it was a way to connect with their heritage, learning the ancient techniques their ancestors used to build their shelters.
Gathering Materials: Teamwork Begins
Kavus called his two children, Sara and Arash, to gather materials for the wall. Sara, the older of the two, was 12 years old and already knew the importance of hard work. Arash, her younger brother, was 7, and although he was excited about the task, he still had a lot to learn. They set off together with a wagon to gather stones from the riverbank, a job that required strength and patience. The rocks would form the base of the wall, providing a solid foundation for the rest of the structure.
Meanwhile, Kavus worked with his wife, Roya, to gather mud and branches from the nearby trees. The mud would be mixed with straw to create an earthy plaster that could be used to fill the gaps between the stones and insulate the cow room. The branches would form the frame of the wall, ensuring that it stayed upright and secure.
As the family worked together, the sun began to set, casting a warm glow over the landscape. Kavus felt a deep sense of pride watching his children work with such determination. This was not just a physical task—it was a bonding experience, one that would teach them essential skills that would stay with them for life.
Building the Wall: A Lesson in Tradition
With the materials gathered, it was time to start building. Kavus began by teaching Sara and Arash how to lay the foundation stones. He showed them how to carefully place each stone, making sure it was level and secure before adding the next. The wall needed to be strong enough to hold the weight of the mud and plaster that would be added later, so each layer of stones had to be perfectly aligned.
Sara, eager to learn, worked quickly, carefully stacking stones while Kavus provided guidance and encouragement. Arash, though smaller and still learning the process, was determined to help. He carried small stones over to his father, offering them with a big smile. “This one is big enough, right, Dad?” he asked, holding up a rock that was almost as big as his head. Kavus chuckled and patted him on the back, teaching him that even the smallest efforts were valuable in a family project like this.
As they worked, Kavus shared stories of how his own father had taught him to build shelters when he was a child, how their ancestors had used the same techniques for generations. The kids listened intently, fascinated by the history of their family and the way their father had learned the craft of building with nature.
When the stone wall was sturdy, they began to add the mud and straw mixture, filling in the gaps to create an insulating layer. The earthy plaster was carefully smoothed over the stones, and the wall began to take shape. The whole family worked in rhythm, passing the mud between them, each person contributing to the process. Roya, who had been preparing the evening meal nearby, came over to help as well, her hands stained with mud but her smile as bright as ever.
The Finished Wall: A Family’s Achievement
By the time the wall was complete, the sun had dipped below the horizon, and the stars began to twinkle in the vast, open sky. The cow room’s wall stood tall and strong, a symbol of the family’s hard work and dedication. Kavus stood back and admired the structure, feeling a deep sense of accomplishment. The cows would be safe and warm in the months to come, protected by the wall they had built together.
“Good job, everyone,” Kavus said with a proud smile, looking at his children. “We did this together, as a family.”
Sara and Arash beamed, their faces tired but glowing with pride. They knew that this wasn’t just about building a wall—it was about learning the ways of their ancestors, understanding the importance of working together, and building something that would serve their family and their livestock for the winter.
As they sat around the campfire that night, enjoying a simple meal of bread, cheese, and roasted vegetables, Kavus couldn’t help but reflect on the significance of the day. The nomadic life was full of challenges, but it was also full of rewards—the bonds formed through hard work, the lessons passed down through generations, and the beauty of living in harmony with the land.
The cow room was ready, and so was his family—stronger and more united than ever.
