The 17th Issue Features a Turkish Olive Oil: Zetay Among the Top 20 Olive Oil Brands in the World

It all started in 2007 with the idea of the Aydıner Group from Ankara to restore a lignite coal mine area to nature. After ten years of being vacant, this 250-acre land was terraced to make it ready for agriculture, followed by studies on what types of products could be cultivated on the land. While discussing the cultivation of various fruit types, including olive trees, the idea of immortal olive trees prevailed, and the project was initiated. Thus, the foundations of a model olive grove and the most modern olive oil factory in Turkey were laid. Due to the unsuitable soil, planting began using a natural pot method. A drip irrigation system was implemented, and to protect the saplings from rodents, protective tubes made from sewage pipes were placed around the trunks of the seedlings. Winged animals were employed to combat flies and other pests that harm the olives. Many turkeys, geese, ducks, chickens, and roosters were assigned as workers to help with this effort. These practices have also become an excellent model for farmers in the surrounding villages.