Those who have just invested in a property in Turkey or visitors to Fethiye in November this year will be delighted – and no doubt astounded – to find themselves in the midst of an international scientific beekeeping conference, Oceanwide Properties Turkey has discovered.
That’s because Fethiye will play host to one of two international congresses in Turkey this year which are titled the Asia Beekeepers Association Meeting. The other will be held in Antalya in three months time. But why Turkey? Well, interestingly it’s because the country is actually the fourth rated bee producing country around the globe in terms of quantities of honey being produced. That’s according to a study in 2003 by Ege University.
Honey’s Position in the World’s Beekeeping Stakes
At that time the world’s largest honey producer was China, followed by the United States of America and Argentina. However, Turkish Beekeepers Association chairman Bahri Yilmaz insists that Turkey is now the second largest beekeeping nation in the world, behind China and that Ukraine and Russia have also increased their share of the world’s honey production market. The village of Mugla itself produces around 2.79 per cent of all of Turkey’s national honey distribution while Yilmaz says Turkish beekeepers are now the proud owners of around 6.5 million hives.
And, in fact, the amount of honey being produced in Turkey is growing at a pretty phenomenal rate to the extent that between 2009 and 2011 bee keepers in Turkey increased the amount of honey by an impressive 15 per cent (leading to around 94 thousand tonnes of the sweet stuff being sold). But it’s not just for food that beekeepers maintain hives; there is also wax for candles and pollen for nutritional and health purposes.
Honey Production Supports Rural Villages
Southern Turkey in particular provides an excellent nesting area for bees and you’ll find lots of bee farmers in hives in the area – many following in the footsteps of their fathers, grandfathers and even great grandfathers. They tend to be most busy from spring right through to the beginning of December.
As you would imagine, Turkey’s rural villages and communities are a huge attraction to tourists and those living in the country today as ex-pats. Many villagers retain traditional skills and crafts such as rug weaving, embroidery for table linen and scarves, and pottery. It’s often a joy to go and actually watch them carry out their crafts in open shop fronts or cafes then indulge in some traditional Turkish tea and cakes.
Buying/Selling Property in Turkey Through Oceanwide Properties
UK nationals or citizens of other countries who are considering buying a property in Turkey to either live in themselves or rent out for a holiday let, are welcome to come and meet with our Oceanwide Properties staff for a chat about living in Turkey and a browse through our current portfolio of property in Turkey for sale. We also sell properties on behalf of clients and would similarly be interested in chatting with those looking to market their current villa or apartment. We have offices in both Turkey and London.
Image via splendidtable.org
