In Karabük, the harvest of the world's most expensive spice, saffron, has begun.

Safranbolu Mayor Elif Köse stated to reporters that they transformed the 8th Saffron Festival into a harvest event due to the terrorist attack on the Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ) campus in Kahramankazan, Ankara, and wished God's mercy upon those who were martyred in the attack and condolences to their families.

"HIGH ADDED VALUE"

Pointing out that saffron is a very valuable spice for the district, Köse said, "Since 2015, saffron production in the district has started to increase. This is very encouraging. It has a very high added value. Saffronbolu saffron has also received the European geographical indication. I hope that saffron production will increase from now on." Köse expressed that interest in the district increases every year during the harvest season, stating, "Tourism is a very important source of income for Safranbolu. I invite everyone to come and see Safranbolu saffron in its place and participate in the harvest."

PARTICIPANTS IN THE HARVEST ARE SATISFIED

Prof. Dr. Ferah Budak, a faculty member of Uludağ University Medical Faculty who participated in the harvest, noted that they prepared a documentary to introduce how saffron is grown and produced, and mentioned that he comes to the district from time to time.

Hüseyin Muhammet, a citizen of Yemen, stated that he is studying at Karabük University and that it is his first time participating in the saffron harvest.

Edanur Erkin, who came from Kayseri, shared that it is her first time harvesting saffron and that she encountered a crowd she did not expect.

Emphasizing that the saffron flowers looked very beautiful, Erkin said, "I was also curious, and I got to see it. I came from Kayseri to see saffron. It was worth coming."

İnci Kimyonşen, who came from Istanbul for the saffron harvest, said, "We know saffron very well, it is an important spice, but this is our first time coming for the harvest. We are trying to learn."

Karabük University student Buse Polat also mentioned that she has been living in Karabük for 4 years but it is her first time participating in the saffron harvest.

Expressing that she is very happy, Polat said, "Saffron is a very valuable spice. It is also used in Turkish delight and cologne. I tried to be careful not to damage the flower while picking."

The harvest event was attended by Deputy Governor Erol Özkan, Safranbolu District Governor Şaban Arda Yazıcı, department heads, and citizens.