Samosely

Imagine a place called the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone. It's a big area where people used to live, but they had to leave a long time ago. The Samosely are special people who decided to move back to this zone, even though it's not like other places.

They are like the 'self-settlers' who chose to make their homes there all by themselves, without being told they could. They are brave and independent people who live in the quiet parts of this special zone.

The Chernobyl Exclusion Zone is a very large area, about as big as a small country! The Samosely live in this zone, which is mostly in Belarus and Ukraine. They live in the villages that were left behind. It's a place where nature has started to grow back, and you might see more animals than people. The Samosely are the only people who live there now, making it their own unique home.

Why would someone want to live in a place that most people left? The Samosely are very connected to their homes and the land. They grew up there, and their families have lived there for a long time.

For them, it feels like home, and they know how to live there. They are like the roots of a tree that are so deep, they can't be easily moved. They are strong people who chose to stay where their hearts are.

Living as a Samosely means living a simple life. They often grow their own food and take care of themselves. They are a small community, and they know each other well. They are a reminder that even in unusual places, people can find ways to live and thrive. They are a part of the story of this special zone, living quietly among the trees and animals.