29.01.2026 13:46
In 2022, efforts were initiated to reintroduce the extinct Ankara (Angora) rabbit to the capital of Turkey. The project started with 2 pairs of rabbits brought from the Netherlands, and within 4 years, the number of rabbits reached 130.
In the 1700s in Turkey, the Angora rabbit, which became extinct, was reintroduced to the capital by the Elmadağ Municipality, which brought 2 pairs of rabbits from the Netherlands in 2022. As part of the Colorful Village Project carried out in the district, a 'Rabbit Island' was created, and to date, 130 Angora rabbits have been raised.
THEY WILL TURN INTO ECONOMIC VALUE Angora rabbits, known for their long and soft fur, which spread from Ankara to the whole world, were opened for free visits as of 2024. In the first phase, the facility, which was planned to be tourism-oriented, also started studies for the industrial use of Angora rabbit wool. The project aims to revive the Ankara rabbit, which has become extinct in Turkey, in its homeland and turn it into economic value. Gül Alçıkaya, the responsible person for Rabbit Island, stated that she received 6 months of training for the rabbits that require sensitive and careful care, saying, "Our goal was to reintroduce the Ankara rabbit to our district and our country. Today, we have reached 120-130 rabbits from the point where we started with 4 rabbits. Our facility is also attracting interest in terms of tourism. During the summer season, we host 300-400 visitors daily. Domestic and foreign tourists are quite impressed by the appearance of the rabbits," she said.
"THEY ARE ABOUT 7 TIMES SUPERIOR TO SHEEP AND GOAT WOOL" Alçıkaya stated that the goal in the second phase of the project is to evaluate the wool of the Ankara rabbit industrially, saying, "The fur of the Angora rabbit has insulation properties that are approximately 7 times superior to sheep and goat wool. It does not lose its insulation properties even when wet. For this reason, samples were taken by academics from universities regarding wool production. Additionally, our facility also prioritizes women's employment," she said.
"THEY ARE PSYCHOLOGICALLY SENSITIVE" Alçıkaya expressed that both New Zealand hybrids and purebred Angora rabbits are raised in the facility, stating that purebred Angora rabbits are quite psychologically sensitive, saying, "They can stop eating and drinking when they are stressed. Therefore, daily monitoring is essential. Appetite, feces, and ear condition are constantly checked. I do not see this place as a job. They are a life and they need me. Their language is only mine. I can only understand and meet their needs. If I had seen it as a job; if I had not understood their problems, could not meet their needs, or did not provide psychological support, perhaps we would not have healthy production either," she expressed.
ANGORA RABBIT The Angora rabbit is known for its long and soft fur. Together with the Ankara goat and cat, the purebred rabbits were taken to France and England by the Galatians, Phrygians, and later by English sailors throughout history. Although its origin is Anatolia, the Angora rabbit, which has not been seen in Anatolia since the 1700s, became the most popular pet favored by the French high society in Europe. Raised in countries like France and England in the 1700s, the Angora rabbit, which was later utilized for its wool, spread throughout Europe after these years. In the early 1900s, it began to be recognized in America, and many varieties were bred. The most famous ones became the English, French, Giant, and Satin breeds. Today, this rabbit breed is specially raised only by wool producers; the People's Republic of China, France, Hungary, Argentina, Chile, Germany, and Brazil are among the main countries producing wool from this rabbit. Italy, Japan, Germany, France, India, and Chile are also important countries processing this rabbit wool. While the production of Ankara rabbit wool in the world is 8-12 thousand tons, 90% of the production is done by the People's Republic of China. Primarily raised for wool production and being more valuable than sheep wool due to its warmth, the Angora rabbit has not become widespread due to its need for special feeding areas and the difficulty of protecting its fur until it reaches the length to be sheared.