# Water buffalo farming and dairy production in Turkey

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/water-buffalo-farming-and-dairy-production-in-turkey
> Updated: 2026-08-20T05:38:00.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2.

Water buffalo farming and dairy production in Turkey involve both long-standing family traditions and newer entrepreneurial ventures supported by government initiatives.

In Bursa, Mehmet Filliz has maintained a 50-year family tradition of breeding more than 200 buffaloes. His operation produces various dairy products, including sausage, yogurt, butter, and cheese, which are distributed to every province in Turkey. Filliz has noted the labor-intensive nature of the work and a declining interest among younger generations in the trade.

In Bayburt, entrepreneur Şafak Eraslan has expanded her herd from seven to 17 animals using a grant from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry’s ‘Uzman Eller’ project. Her production of milk, yogurt, and butter is distributed across multiple provinces, and her business has contributed to the local identity of İncili Village.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-20: Şafak Eraslan expands water buffalo farm in Bayburt

In Bayburt, Şafak Eraslan expanded her water buffalo farm from seven to 17 animals using a government grant, supplying milk and dairy products to various Turkish provinces.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/afak-eraslan-expands-water-buffalo-farm-in-bayburt

### 2026-08-01: Mehmet Filliz's Buffalo Products Reach All of Turkey

Mehmet Filliz of Bursa’s ‘Buffalo Village’ has run a 50‑year water‑buffalo dairy operation, producing 100 % buffalo sausage, yogurt and butter for nationwide distribution, despite challenges in attracting young

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mehmet-fillizs-buffalo-products-reach-all-of-turkey

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Cite as: Water buffalo farming and dairy production in Turkey. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/water-buffalo-farming-and-dairy-production-in-turkey