The pine honey harvest has begun in Muğla: 25 to 30 tins of honey are being extracted each day
In Muğla, Turkey’s center for pine honey production, the fall harvest has begun in the Kozağaç pine forests of Yatağan. Beekeepers, who extract 25–30 tins of honey a day during the peak of the season, are also drawing attention to the challenges of their profession.
This article was translated automatically from Turkish. Türkçe orijinal ›
The fall harvest has begun in Muğla, one of Turkey’s major centers for pine honey production. Beekeepers who have moved their hives to the pine forests in the Kozağaç area of Yatağan are hoping for a productive season, aided by favorable weather conditions.
25–30 tins of honey per day
It is reported that 25–30 tins of honey are extracted daily during the peak of the season, and the harvest is expected to continue for a few more weeks. Work at the apiaries set up in forested areas begins early in the morning and continues until evening.
“This is very hard work”
Sabri Akkır, 71, who operates approximately 400 hives and has been beekeeping for over 50 years, highlighted the demanding nature of the profession, saying, “This is very hard work.” Akkır expressed concern that the younger generation is not showing interest in beekeeping.
Muhammet Çepel, a 43-year-old migratory beekeeper from Dalaman, explained that he migrates seasonally with 300 hives, is stung by bees about 200 times a day, but has grown accustomed to it over time.
Ziya Aslanpay, who has been involved in beekeeping since 2008, said he continues the profession alongside his family and that, despite the challenges, production contributes to the country’s economy.
The photograph is for archival purposes.
