Istanbul is flocking to this field, and citizens are buying the products they collect from the field

In Istanbul’s Arnavutköy district, products sown in the land as part of a project supported by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry can be collected and purchased by citizens. Residents enjoying the pleasure of harvesting from the field are flocking to Arnavutköy. Especially during weekends, the field where products can be purchased directly from the vine becomes so crowded that there is hardly any room to step. Citizens want the project to be supported and developed further.

In the Dursunköy neighborhood of Arnavutköy, the sale of seasonal vegetables and fruits planted according to the era on land beside the road is carried out in an interesting technique. Citizens entering the field are given the opportunity to purchase products they have collected with their own hands. Istanbulites, who are longing for such field products rather than the processed products available in supermarkets, are flocking to this location. Generally, citizens who long for their villages are spending enjoyable time with their children while also being able to buy products, especially on weekends, leaving hardly any space to step. Interest in the project supported by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry continues to grow every day.

The area where the land is located and moments when citizens collect products from the farm have also been captured by drone footage. The planting and maintenance of the products grown in the field are also carried out by local housewives. Housewives enjoy themselves by singing folk songs while relieving stress and also have the chance to harvest the products they have grown.

“I come here twice a week to work”

Hatice Kaya, who works in the field and grows products, stated, “We have been working on this field for four years now, and we are currently tying the tomatoes. It is very simple for us; it is very easy to grow and eat. I come here twice a week to work and take care of them, then we sell them. I have been working in fields since I was nine years old; actually, it is very nice to be here.”

“Experiencing this environment with my children is worth everything”

Kadir Candan, who comes to the field to collect and purchase products himself, said, “I live in Arnavutköy, we come to this field every year. When I came about two weeks ago, it wasn’t open yet, but I came again today. I feel like I am in my hometown, like I am in my village’s garden. We always recommend it to our friends and acquaintances. The variety and quantity of products here are increasing over time. Experiencing this environment with children is worth everything.”

Twelve-year-old Aziz Ege Özer, who works in the field, said, “We are trying to do everything we can for people to be able to pick their own organic products. People come here with their children and have a great time, and they are very pleased. I boil or roast corn here. It gets very crowded when I come here, and I feel very happy.”