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A parade and opening ceremony on Friday launched the 21st International Olive Harvest and Tourism Festival in Ayvalik, a historic Aegean coastal town in western Türkiye known for its olive groves and olive oil.
The festival, organized by the Balikesir Metropolitan Municipality, the Ayvalik Municipality and local trade, agriculture and producer groups, began with a procession led by officials and residents from Dr. Fazil Dogan Square to Republic Square.
Speaking at the ceremony, Balikesir Governor Ismail Ustaoglu said olives are grown on 17,500 hectares (43,200 acres) of Ayvalik’s 22,000 hectares of farmland.
He said the government would continue to support producers through agricultural policies and new subsidies.
Balikesir Metropolitan Mayor Ahmet Akin said the province has roughly 13 million olive trees and that the Gulf of Edremit area is valued for the quality and brand recognition of its olives and olive oil.
Ayvalik Mayor Mesut Ergin said olives are more than a crop for the district, describing them as part of its way of life and inherited heritage.
After the speeches, officials opened two markets: one featuring handmade goods by women artisans and local olive oil products, and a larger festival market devoted to olives and olive oil.
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