Alanya extends an invitation to this year’s Carob Harvest Festival
The second Keçiboynuzu Harvest Festival, better known as the carob harvest festival, is scheduled to take place on 25 September in Oba Alacami Mahallesi in Alanya.
This annual event is a celebration of an important local crop and serves as an opportunity for both residents and visitors to experience authentic Turkish culture. The President of the Alanya Chamber of Agriculture, Tahir Göktepe, has extended a warm invitation to all producers and residents to attend the festival.
The event marks the harvesting of the carob fruit, a traditional and valuable resource in the Mediterranean region, including Alanya.
The event is designed to honour agriculture and the hard work behind the crops, while offering a festive atmosphere for the local community. For tourists, Nordic readers, and foreign residents, the festival represents a unique opportunity to delve into Alanya' s rural traditions and taste local delicacies.
What is Keçiboynuzu (carob)?
Carob is the fruit of the carob tree (Ceratonia siliqua), an evergreen tree that thrives in a Mediterranean climate. The tree produces long, dark brown pods containing a sweet, edible pulp.
Historically, carob has been an important part of the diet in the region, known for its high sugar content and nutritional value.
It is also a natural source of vitamins and minerals. The fruit is often used to make flour, syrup (pekmez), and as a natural sweetener.
Carob syrup is particularly popular in Turkey and is used in various dishes and drinks, including as a supplement in traditional medicine.
Today, carob serves as an important component of local agriculture and contributes to Alanya' s economy through the production of various goods. It is also known as a healthy alternative to chocolate, especially for those who avoid caffeine or have specific dietary requirements.
A celebration of local tradition, the carob harvest festival in Oba Alacami Mahallesi is more than just a celebration of a crop; it is an expression of the local community' s cohesion and cultural heritage. Such harvest festivals are an important part of the agricultural traditions in the region, where people gather to give thanks for the year' s harvest and strengthen bonds within the local community.
The festival offers a platform for farmers to showcase their products and for visitors to learn about local agricultural culture at close range. One of the highlights of this year' s festival will be the competition for the heaviest carob fruit.
This playful yet serious contest highlights the quality of the locally grown fruit and creates an engaging atmosphere for participants.
It also provides an opportunity to recognise the most dedicated and skilled producers in the area. The competition adds a fun element to the celebration and underlines the importance of good harvesting and quality products.
For those planning a visit to Alanya or those who already live in the region, the Carob Harvest Festival on 25 September is an excellent opportunity to experience an authentic Turkish tradition. It is a chance to taste local specialities, meet the local community, and gain insight into an important part of Alanya' s agricultural heritage, far beyond the popular beaches.
The event in Oba Alacami Mahallesi invites everyone to take part in a unique cultural celebration.
Source: Yenialanya
