Honey Festivals and Direct Sales

The Mersin Beekeepers' Association Honey Festival is a honey festival organised in Erdemli by the Mersin Provincial Beekeepers' Association. The first festival was held in Erdemli in November 2017 in cooperation with the district governorship and the provincial directorate of agriculture; we have not been able to confirm that it has been repeated regularly in subsequent years.

When and where was the Mersin Honey Festival held?

The association's chairman announced during a visit to the Governor of Mersin that the festival would be held in the Erdemli district on 25–26 November 2017. According to a news item from the Erdemli District Governorship, the 1st Honey Festival was organised by the beekeepers' association at Devlet Bahçeli Square in Erdemli, in coordination with the district governorship and the provincial directorate of food, agriculture and livestock.

• Plaques for award-winning beekeepers: Local beekeepers who had won awards at the 45th Apimondia International Apicultural Congress, held in Istanbul in September–October of the same year, were presented with plaques.
• Honey tasting: Visitors were offered tastings of local honeys.
• Cultural programme: A theatre performance and fun competitions were held.

Features of beekeeping in Mersin

Mersin is listed among Türkiye's top five provinces by number of hives; according to press reports, the province has more than 4,000 registered beekeepers. Beekeeping in the province is shaped by three zones:

• Coastal plains – citrus: The lemon and orange groves around Erdemli, Silifke and Tarsus are an important nectar source in spring.
• Western coast – carob: Carob (locust bean) honey is produced around Anamur.
• Taurus highlands – highland honey: In summer, hives are taken up to highland pastures above 2,000 metres. Uzunkuyu in Erdemli and the Eğriçayır plateau between Erdemli and Silifke are well-known locations for this high-altitude beekeeping.

How is migratory beekeeping done in the Taurus Mountains?

Beekeeping in Mersin relies largely on migratory beekeeping. A typical season goes like this:

1. Winter and early spring: Hives winter on the coast, on the mild plains; colonies prepare for the citrus bloom.
2. Spring: The citrus flow is used and the colonies build up strength.
3. Summer: Hives are moved by lorry or trailer to the Taurus highlands; highland honey is taken from thyme, milkvetch and other mountain flowers.
4. Autumn: After the harvest, hives are brought down to the wintering grounds, and varroa control and winter feeding are carried out.

Tips for beekeepers taking part in a honey festival

• Describe your product: Citrus, highland or carob? State the honey's area of origin and harvest month on the label and an information card.
• Analysis certificate: A recent laboratory report increases consumer confidence.
• Hygienic tasting: Use disposable spoons and covered tasting containers.
• Contact the association: Apply to the provincial beekeepers' association in advance for a stand and participation conditions.