Walnut production drives economic activity in Turkey

Walnut cultivation has become a significant economic driver in various regions of Turkey. In the Dinar district of Afyonkarahisar, approximately 100,000 walnut trees spanning 5,000 decares produce about 2,000 tons of walnuts annually. Local producers manage the entire process from harvest to drying, classification, and packaging, supplying products to major cities including Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, and Gaziantep, particularly for the pastry and confectionery industries.

In Kemer, businessman Talih Kurga is utilizing his 90 walnut trees in the Dörtçam Plateau to promote traditional sharing and barter cultures. Rather than focusing on commercial profit, Kurga distributes his harvest to those in need and engages in bartering, such as exchanging walnuts for olive oil or grape molasses to strengthen community ties.