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A project to create tourism routes built around olive cultivation in southwestern Türkiye was presented in the Aegean district of Milas, aiming to draw visitors to the region’s olive groves, ancient trees and historic sites.
The Aydin-Mugla Olive Routes Project is being led by the South Aegean Development Agency (GEKA). Mugla Gov. Idris Akbiyik attended the launch, where officials discussed combining the region’s long olive-growing tradition with gastronomy, nature, culture and rural tourism.
Under the project, olive-growing areas, historic olive trees, ancient cities and olive oil production facilities in the provinces of Aydin and Mugla are to be included in tourist itineraries.
The initiative is meant to support local producers and diversify the region’s tourism.
Speaking at the launch, Akbiyik highlighted Mugla’s natural and cultural riches and said authorities are working to spread tourism across all 12 months of the year.
He said Milas plays a key role in the project through its Memecik olive, a variety with protected geographical status, along with its olive oil and olive trees.
Akbiyik stressed the importance of bringing the region’s assets into the economy through environmentally friendly methods.
GEKA Secretary General Umit Gulyagi said the project seeks to promote the region’s cultural and natural attractions beyond its coastal tourism, and to help cooperatives bring their products to new markets.
After the launch, participants took part in an olive harvest in Milas’ Kazikli neighborhood.
The event featured the story of an olive tree thought to be about 3,000 years old, a look at the stages of olive oil production and a tasting session.
Akbiyik also visited the Ata Agac Science and R&D Center, where he was briefed on how olives are turned into oil at modern facilities.
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