56-year-old Naciye Erkan, who lives in the Zara district of Sivas, produces registered "Zara honey" with the support she receives from the Small and Medium Enterprises Development and Support Administration (KOSGEB).
Naciye Erkan, married and mother of three children, started beekeeping with her husband 32 years ago due to limited job opportunities in the district.
The female entrepreneur, who has been beekeeping with her husband Metin Erkan for many years, applied to KOSGEB about 5 years ago and received hive, equipment and caravan support.
Erkan, who draws attention with the pink beekeeper suit he wears, both produces the district's geographical indication registered Zara honey and raises queen bees.
Traveler beekeeper Naciye Erkan, who continues her career in difficult geographies, told the AA reporter that she has been loving beekeeping for years.
Stating that he founded his own business 5 years ago with the support of hives, equipment and caravans he received from KOSGEB, Erkan said, "I have been working separately in my business for 5 years, both to set an example for women and to ensure that a woman can also achieve this job." he said.
Erkan pointed out that it is difficult to be a mobile beekeeper in rural geography and stated that there are risks such as ticks, snakes and bears.
Explaining that he used to live in a container, Erkan said, "It was very hot and I raised my 3 children there. At that time, the children were constantly watching me through the window of the container when they were supposed to be playing. There was neither television nor electricity. We went through difficult times, but despite everything, I love beekeeping, I love my job. I also raise queen bees, producing is a good thing." he said.
Erkan emphasized that it contributes to the economy and said:
"We produce all bee products such as honey, pollen, royal jelly, propolis. I feel lucky, it is not easy to do this job. Zara is a beautiful district with its nature and plants. We have a wide variety of plants such as thyme and keven, and that is why our honey is of high quality. Honey yield varies from year to year, sometimes we buy 5-6 tons or 2 tons. This year, we are a little hopeful, we hope to produce up to 10 tons. I sent the honey I produced to the chamber of agriculture for analysis and it met all the criteria. "It turned out to be appropriate. I received it as a gift from the district governor. It is a good thing to set an example for people. Beekeeping is a very nice and enjoyable job, anyone can do it."
Everyone's wearing white, she's wearing pink clothes
Stating that beekeepers generally wear white clothes, Erkan said that he wears a pink beekeeper suit.
Erkan stated that he does not have a market problem and said, "People trust Zara honey more because it is registered and I am a female producer." he said.
Stating that they started honey production with 20 hives, and that after they separated their jobs, he and his wife had 400 hives each, Erkan also stated that he had 400 queen bee boxes.
Stating that his grandfather and nephew help him from time to time, Erkan said, "My wife cannot help me with work, but I always see her as a mountain behind me. As a family, we love beekeeping. Since I love bees very much, we named my 21-year-old youngest daughter 'Pollen'." he said.