Revival of Bergama’s traditional grapes

Izmir Metropolitan Municipality is reviving the endangered Kozak Beyazi and Kozak Siyahi grapes of Bergama. Within the project initiated to develop viticulture in the Kozak region and increase income-generating products in agriculture, vineyards were established on 12.5 acres by distributing 4,000 seedlings to 3 producers in the first phase.

Izmir Metropolitan Municipality is bringing back the Kozak Siyahi and Kozak Beyazi grapes, which have been cultivated in Bergama Kozak region for many years but have recently lost their former glory. Under the protocol between Izmir Metropolitan Municipality and Manisa Viticulture Research Institute, work has begun in pilot areas to revive local grapes. While continuing its struggle against the low productivity in the region’s main source of income, pine nuts, Izmir Metropolitan Municipality also aims to revive alternative income sources in the region.

Support for 4,000 grape seedlings
Within the scope of the project carried out by the Department of Agricultural Services, information meetings were organized for muhtars and producers in the Kozak region. The Manisa Viticulture Research Institute provided theoretical and practical training on viticulture to producers in the Kozak region on cultivation, pruning, maintenance, irrigation, fertilization, disease and pest control, and harvesting. Following the information meetings and theoretical training, the project was initiated with 3 producers from the villages of Demircidere and Asagibey in Kozak Plateau. Soil analyses were conducted on the producers’ lands and consultancy services were provided. After the training and analysis processes, a total of 4,035 grape seedlings were provided to the producers, and a sample planting work was carried out. It is planned to establish vineyards with the V training system support within the project this year.

Project started on 12.5 acres
Aysegul Karakoyun Seckin, the Branch Manager of Agricultural Production and Development at Izmir Metropolitan Municipality, who provided information about the project, stated, “Viticulture is actually a production model that dates back to ancient times in the Kozak region. Kozak Siyahi and Kozak Beyazi were cultivated in very large areas here. However, due to the high income from pine nuts in this region, the producers’ focus shifted towards pine nuts. Over time, viticulture has been put on the back burner. We tried to create exemplary areas by conducting demonstration studies to revive Kozak Siyahi and Kozak Beyazi here. During the creation of these exemplary areas, we provided training to our producers, soil analyses were conducted, and seedlings were produced. Our process continues. In the next stages, we will continue our work by establishing the trellis training system. We have started this work with 3 producers at the moment. Two are in Demircidere and one is in Asagibey. We are carrying out this work on a total of 12.5 acres. In the future, we want this project to be expanded.”.

“Previously our father sold, now we are growing again”
Producer Ali Konuk from Demircidere said, “Izmir Metropolitan Municipality provided us with Kozak Siyahi and Kozak Beyazi grape seedlings specific to the Kozak region. We got involved in such a project. We planted our vines and tried to improve them. Hopefully, it will be good. We used to have vineyards before; we were doing this job. Later on, we started working under different conditions due to the struggle of life.” Ali Konuk, who said that Kozak Siyahi and Kozak Beyazi grapes have a very nice taste, stated, “Those who taste them are aware of this grape. Izmir Metropolitan Municipality is also very interested in us. We have reached the final stages. It will be even better after the trellis system is established.”.

“Thanks to the municipality, we guide the friends coming after us”
Producer Hayri Gorgulu from Asagibey said, “Kozak Siyahi and Kozak Beyazi are known as table grapes. These grapes are certified. They have a unique aroma. In terms of taste, they have a high sugar content. The skin of the white grape is thin. It gives a pleasant feeling in the mouth. It also has a high sugar content. The black grape has a different aroma and taste.” Stating that they are working in good cooperation with Izmir Metropolitan Municipality, Gorgulu continued, “Metropolitan Municipality helps and cares. Because this job requires time and attention. Now they say ‘you do it, let us see. Then we will do it too.’ They say someone will guide us at the front; then we will do it. Izmir Metropolitan Municipality provides the seedlings, provides the trellis system, and necessary technical agricultural consultants come. We were not able to bring these. Thanks to Izmir Metropolitan Municipality, we are guided. We started from scratch; hopefully, we will succeed and be pioneers.”.

“Very beneficial and nice from its molasses to its wine”
Producer Ibrahim Konuk from Demircidere said, “We thank Izmir Metropolitan Municipality. They gave us the vines, and they will provide other equipment. We water them. This grape has been beneficial and nice from our molasses, wine, and dried grapes for years; it is very useful. I do not know if it is region-specific, but its taste is very different from other grapes.”