Mohsen Mohammadi, a 28-year-old Kolbar from Kurdistan, struggles in the dangerous world of Kolbari with heavy loads and daily challenges. Having been in this job since the age of 13, he has recently started blogging and is trying to share his experiences with others.
Experience of Kolbari from a Young Age
Mohsen turned to Kolbari in his teenage years and has transported various goods from border areas to domestic markets over the years. He says, "I started carrying loads at 13. In the beginning, some days I would take two routes. I would carry cigarettes and perfumes as well as dishes and televisions." Mohsen points out that he has learned this profession through experience and many hardships, explaining that there are no jobs other than Kolbari in the village of Sabdalu.
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Financial Challenges and Minimal Income
Regarding his income, Mohsen says, "The wages of a Kolbar do not cover the bare necessities of my life." For each load of 40 to 60 kilograms, which he usually has to carry for 4 to 10 kilometers, he earns about 2 to 3 million tomans. However, most of this amount goes to brokers and load owners, leaving the Kolbar with a very small share. Mohsen adds, "In group Kolbari, two-thirds of the wages go to the broker, and there’s also the escort fees."
Moving Towards Blogging and Online Sales
Despite financial challenges, Mohsen decides to establish his own online store instead of relying on brokers. He says, "Why shouldn't I have my own customers?" In the past two years, by creating a page called "I am Kolbar and Blogger" on one of the social networks, he has tried to start online sales by building trust with customers. He considers gaining followers and increasing views as one of his major challenges, stating, "At first, I didn’t have many followers, but gradually by sharing the realities of Kolbari, I was able to attract more attention."
Bitter and Sweet Experiences of Kolbari
Mohsen refers to the hardships of his work and the incidents he has witnessed over the years, from his neighbor Kolbar who was seriously injured from falling into a ravine to the dangers of transporting goods in harsh weather conditions. He says, "Having my mother in the videos brings me blessings, and usually, the videos she appears in get the most views." With compassion, Mohsen urges other young Kolbars not to fall into the trap of deception and to portray the realities.
Ultimately, Mohsen Mohammadi, as a Kolbar blogger, is not only seeking to provide for himself but is also striving to raise the voices of Kolbars and depict the harsh realities of their lives.
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