21.10.2025 15:56
The rolled turf production facility established in 2001 in Kumdere village, located in the İpsala district of Edirne, has reversed the migration from rural to urban areas. With an annual production capacity reaching 5 million square meters, the facility provides permanent employment for 100 people and has brought economic vitality to the village. The turfs produced at the facility are also exported abroad.
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The village of Kumdere, with a population of 900, located in the İpsala district of Edirne, has become a place that attracts migration rather than losing it, thanks to its rolled turf production facility. Established in 2001, the facility has provided employment in the village, preventing young people from moving to big cities.
PRODUCTION REACHED 5 MILLION SQUARE METERS
The production facilities in Kumdere, owned by the Türkçim company, produced 100 thousand square meters of rolled turf annually at its inception, and today it has reached a production capacity of 5 million square meters. Of the turf produced at the facility, 150 thousand square meters is exported abroad. The facility, which operates in two periods of the year, meticulously carries out planting, irrigation, maintenance, and harvesting processes.
"NATURAL OPEN-AIR FACTORY"
Serkan Bulanık, the Operations Manager of Türkçim İpsala, stated that they started rolled turf production in 1999 in Karamürsel, Kocaeli, and then established the second facility in Kumdere village in 2001. Bulanık said, "When we first came to the village, the population was 400, most of them were elderly. Young people were migrating to the city to find jobs. After establishing the facility, things changed; the village started to attract migration. A kind of natural open-air factory was formed here."
The facility employs 100 people continuously, and additionally, seasonal workers are also supporting production on a daily wage basis.
THE USAGE AREA OF ROLLED TURF IS WIDE
Bulanık stated that they produce in an area of 5 thousand decares, saying, "Rolled turf is used in landscaping areas such as parks and gardens, sites, football and golf courses, road and slope arrangements. While beautifying the appearance of an area, it also contributes to oxygen production."
SHIPPED TO FAMOUS FOOTBALL FIELDS
Bulanık mentioned that interest in rolled turf has increased worldwide, stating, "Our turfs are used in the stadiums of Galatasaray, Fenerbahçe, Beşiktaş, Ankaragücü, Sivasspor, and Eskişehirspor. We also export to Greece, Bulgaria, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Iran, and Iraq."
Bulanık stated that production is planned according to demand, saying, "Every year, our production and export quantities can change according to market conditions. Our central office in Istanbul communicates the incoming requests to us, and we plan accordingly."
BROUGHT ECONOMIC VITALITY TO THE VILLAGE
This facility operating in Kumdere village stands out not only with its production capacity but also with the economic vitality and employment opportunities it has brought to the village. With the return of young people to their villages, Kumdere has become one of the exemplary models of rural development.
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