He left his job at the plazas and started producing mushrooms in his hometown

Two siblings producing ‘oyster mushrooms’ in the Zara district of Sivas contribute to the local economy.

Two siblings living in the Zara district of Sivas have been producing oyster mushrooms for 3 years, making a significant contribution to the local economy. With their initiative, these siblings not only contribute to the economy but also provide Sivas residents with a new flavor, enabling people to consume a healthy and natural product. Mehtap Karaoğlu Keleş, who worked in office buildings for years, decided to start production after realizing the need for organic food during and after the pandemic, and returning to her hometown. Keleş stated, ‘I saw that people were having difficulty in buying meat. Consequently, I observed a lack of protein. My brother and I joined forces and embarked on this initiative.’

‘I wanted to do something beneficial for my hometown’

Expressing her aim to do something beneficial for her hometown, Keleş said, ‘I graduated from associate degree at first. Then I completed my undergraduate degree and did my master’s degree. While continuing my education, I worked in different fields. I worked in offices in Istanbul for about three years. Taking into account the need for organic food during and after the pandemic, I returned to my hometown. I wanted to do something beneficial for my hometown because people have great difficulty in accessing organic products. I observed this situation most clearly in Istanbul. Moreover, I saw that people were having difficulty in buying meat. Consequently, I observed a lack of protein. My brother, Doğan Necmettin Karaoğlu, is a graduate of graphic design. He also came here after finishing school. My brother presented this idea. As a result, the two siblings joined forces and embarked on this initiative.’

‘Once you taste it, you want more’

Stating that the people of Zara were initially unfamiliar with this product, Keleş said, ‘We have been doing this job for about three years. Due to the harsh weather conditions in Zara, we sometimes have to postpone our plantings. We experience extremely hot and dry periods, and this product does not like drought. Besides the heat, it also becomes difficult for us to heat the tent in cold periods. Farmers really lead a tough life. Everyone hears about it, but living it is truly difficult. The products vary in terms of tonnage, but we easily obtain a product of a thousand kilograms. When we planted for the first year, we even sent products to Istanbul. No one knew about it here, but now once someone tastes it, they want more.’