Tekirdağ Lavender Fields Draw Thousands of Istanbul Visitors in 'Mor Tourism' Surge

Lavender farms in the Süleymanpaşa district of Tekirdağ, Turkey, have become a popular weekend destination as the summer season begins. Visitors, especially from Istanbul, flock to the violet‑colored fields for walks, photography and to experience what locals call “mor tourism.” The influx is amplified by social‑media sharing, turning the area into a visual attraction.

The season, expected to run through the end of July, has boosted the local rural tourism economy. Farmers report rising demand for lavender products such as oil, soap and cologne, and the fields host the sixth annual Lavender Festival. The festival, launched on 22 June under the auspices of the Tekirdağ Governorate and the Provincial Culture and Tourism Directorate, features folk‑dance performances, product stalls and a photo exhibition, and will continue until 26 June.

Organisers say the event promotes Tekirdağ’s natural assets and supports producers, while preparations are already underway for the post‑season harvest and oil extraction, with plans to reuse the yield for the next year's tourism draw.