Turkey
May. 6, 2022
Court Orders Halt to Coal Mining Operation in Turkey’s Olive Groves
A government regulation would have allowed companies to remove olive groves obstructing access to coal mines. However, the stop is only temporary.
Apr. 5, 2022
Turkey Suspends Exports of Agricultural Products, Bulk Olive Oil
The government implemented export restrictions to prevent food shortages. Turley’s olive oil sector disputed the export curb on bulk olive oil, claiming that supply can satisfy demand.
Mar. 11, 2022
New Regulation in Turkey Permits Olive Tree Removals for Coal Mining
The regulation is meant to boost Turkish energy security. However, the country’s national olive oil association is already appealing the decision.
Nov. 17, 2021
Production in Turkey Rebounds as Farmers Show Their Resilience
Olive oil production in Turkey is expected to exceed 235,000 tons, the country’s second-highest total. Table olive production will reach a record high.
Sep. 1, 2021
Turkey Lifts Ban on Bulk Olive Oil Exports Ahead of Schedule
The government said it implemented the ban to prevent price speculation and protect small producers. However, many producers largely opposed the prohibition.
Aug. 23, 2021
Thousands of Hectares of Olive Trees Burned to Ashes Across Southern Turkey
Producers worry that the country’s worst wildfires in recent memory are a symptom of climate change, and that the government is not adequately preparing for future fires.
Aug. 20, 2021 Africa / Middle East
Aug. 16, 2021 Africa / Middle East
Meet the Producer Behind Turkey's Most-Awarded Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Aug. 2, 2021 Africa / Middle East
Jul. 30, 2021 Africa / Middle East
Just when Olive Oil Tourism Was Trending in Turkey, the Pandemic Hit
Jul. 29, 2021 Africa / Middle East
Mavras Olive Oil Company Relies on Tradition, Terroir to Produce Quality EVOO
Jul. 12, 2021
Ali Gürbüz Claims Fourth Title at 660th Kırkpınar
Gürbüz defeated Koç to earn his second consecutive title as Turkey’s chief wrestler. He triumphed over 2,160 other entrants, who came from across the country to the northwestern city of Edirne to compete in the centuries-old tournament.
Jun. 15, 2021
Turkish Olive Oils Win Acclaim in World Competition
After an off-year harvest complicated by the Covid-19 pandemic and climate change, producers from Turkey celebrated a record-high 44 awards.
Apr. 22, 2021
Producers Puzzled by Turkish Ban on Bulk Olive Oil Exports
In a season where 220,000 tons were produced, Turkey has stopped bulk olive oil exports until the end of next October.
Mar. 25, 2021
Kırkpınar Governor Calls on Former Champion to Quit Reality Show
After derogatory remarks were aimed at Ismail Balaban by another contestant on Survivor Turkey, the agha of Kırkpınar thinks the former champions should leave in protest.
Dec. 14, 2020
Pandemic and Weather Extremes Compound an Off-Year in Turkey
Bad springtime weather and logistic challenges have made what was expected to be a tough year even worse.
Oct. 8, 2020
With Wrestling Match Canceled, Kırkpınar Sponsor Invests in Local Education
Seyfettin Selim has invested in a state-of-the-art nursery school and daycare in Edirne. He plans to have the school ready to open in time for the 659th edition of Kırkpınar.
Aug. 24, 2020
Kırkpınar Governor Calls for Cancellation of This Year’s Event
The Covid-19 pandemic originally delayed the 659th edition of the world's oldest sporting event from the first week of July to September. Now the main sponsor and ceremonial head of the event says he no longer supports the tournament taking place.
Jul. 15, 2018
Redemption for Orhan Okulu at 657th Kirkpinar
Last year's runner-up has now claimed victory at the 2018 Kirkpinar olive oil wrestling championship.
Feb. 6, 2018
Olive Skills Help Rehabilitate Turkish Prisoners
In addition to pressing the olives grown on prison land, the facility also charges locals a small fee to process their olives.
Jan. 3, 2018
Turkish Olive Oil Giant Opening New Facility in Germany
In a move seen as an opportunity for the Turkish firm to circumvent the European Union’s import quota on Turkish olive oil, Marmarabirlik, is preparing to open storage and processing facilities in Cologne, Germany.
Jul. 16, 2017
Ismail Balaban Wins 656th Kirkpinar
Balaban narrowly missed out on the title in 2013, when he was beaten by Ali Gürbüz, who was later stripped of the title when he was exposed as one of 16 oil wrestlers who had tested positive for banned substances.
Jul. 10, 2017
Wildfire Destroys Grove in Turkey
In an ironic twist of fate, Turkey's olive trees had just been saved from proposed changes to the country's “olive law” when they went up in flames.
Jun. 15, 2017
Turkey Removes Controversial Article in 'Olive Law'
While the decision was welcomed, olive oil industry leaders fear the issue will crop up again.
Jun. 9, 2017
Turkey's Prime Minister Fuels 'Olive Law' Debate
Prime Minister Binali Yildirim appeared to support the proposed changes to the law that protects small groves in comments he made at a meeting on June 3rd.
Jun. 6, 2017
Turkish Government Backtracks Proposed Changes to 'Olive Law'
The draft proposal which the government claimed was to support the development of industry and production was highly criticized by the olive oil industry and opposition parties and as it threatened the country’s olive oil production.