01.11.2026 21:42
Recep Keçeci, 63, living in the Yusufeli district of Artvin, has continued for 46 years the beekeeping tradition his grandfather started in 1920 with a single black hive. Keçeci, who produces an average of 700 kilograms of honey a year with about 150 bee colonies at the foothills of the Kaçkar Mountains, draws attention with his products' high proline value and unique aroma. The region's honey is in demand from different provinces of Turkey, especially Antalya.
Recep Keçeci, who has carried on the profession inherited from his grandfather for nearly half a century, keeps alive a 106-year-old family tradition. The honey he produces at the foothills of the Kaçkar Mountains reaches consumers in different regions of Turkey.
HE HAS NOT ABANDONED THE 106-YEAR-OLD PROFESSION! IT CONTINUES FROM GRANDFATHER TO GRANDSON Recep Keçeci, who lives in the village of Bıçakçılar in the Yusufeli district of Artvin, does not give up beekeeping even though he is 63 years old. His family's beekeeping story began in 1920 when his grandfather brought a black hive. His father continued the profession between 1950 and 1980. Then Keçeci, who took over responsibility for the hives, has been involved in beekeeping for exactly 46 years. Continuing production with the experience he has gained over the years, Keçeci benefits from the rich vegetation of the Kaçkar Mountains.
HE OBTAINS 700 KILOGRAMS OF HONEY A YEAR FROM 150 HIVES Recep Keçeci produces with approximately 150 bee colonies. The honey produced by bees that feed on different plants at the foothills of the Kaçkar Mountains stands out with its unique aroma. Keçeci states that he obtains an average of 700 kilograms of honey per year. Explaining that production requires care and experience, the beekeeper attaches importance especially to the health of the bees and the correct management of the hives.
"IF YOU DON'T LOVE IT, YOU CAN'T DO IT" Keçeci, who does not see beekeeping only as a source of livelihood, says he does his profession with love. Explaining the experience of years, Keçeci used the following statements: "I love beekeeping; it is a very beautiful profession. If you know bees well and become a good beekeeper, the return is good as well. If you don't love it, you can't do it. Beekeeping is a job to be done with love. You must have theoretical knowledge; over the years you gain experience through practice. You need to devote years to this work. It is a profession inherited from my grandfather since 1920. After my father, I took it over and continue it. There must be a young and productive queen bee; the fight against diseases and pests must be carried out on time. You must also have sufficient stock. The bee does its own work and handles it. Producing organic honey is truly very difficult. In 1920 my grandfather brought a black hive. Between 1950 and 1980 my father took care of it, and now I take care of it. It has been about 46 years. The bee feeds on what it brings. From May to August you cannot open the lid of the hive. I can produce 700 kilograms of honey a year."