Gemlik and Orhangazi launch annual olive harvest festival

The 33rd International Gemlik Olive Festival has commenced in the Bursa region, marking the start of the olive harvest in the Gemlik and Orhangazi districts. Under the theme ‘Two Districts, One Heritage’, the event highlights the deep-rooted olive cultivation culture that serves as a vital economic lifeline for many local families.

The festival included a harvest ceremony attended by various local officials, including Bursa Metropolitan Municipality Deputy Mayor Şahin Biba, and representatives from sister cities such as Giresun, Edirne, Kosovo, Moldova, and Romania. During the event, participants gathered in the orchards to collect the season’s first products.

Gemlik Mayor Şükrü Deviren emphasized the goal of strengthening the international standing of Gemlik olives, particularly in the table olive market, to compete with major producers like Greece, Italy, and Spain. He noted the importance of collaborative efforts between Mudanya, Gemlik, Orhangazi, and İznik to promote the region's agricultural heritage.