09.06.2026 00:30
The uçkun plant, which grows completely naturally in the highlands of Van and is known among the public as "plateau banana," is experiencing a period of abundance in the mountains this year. This endemic plant, valued for both its taste and medicinal properties, is a staple food for the local population, drawing intense interest from citizens in the mountains before even reaching market stalls.
Uçkun, which grows naturally in the highlands of Van and is known among the public as 'mountain banana,' attracts intense interest from citizens. Growing in mountainous areas, uçkun is among the indispensable foods of the local population due to both its flavor and natural structure.
SOME SELL IT, SOME CONSUME IT
Especially in the high-altitude regions of Van, citizens head to the mountains in the early morning hours to collect uçkun.
Uçkun, which grows spontaneously and undergoes no agricultural processing, draws attention with its sour taste. Consumed by the local people for years, uçkun is in high demand this year as well. While some citizens consume the uçkun they collect with their families, others sell it.
"IT SEEMS THERE IS ABUNDANT UÇKUN THIS YEAR"
Muhammed Türken, who went on a picnic with his friend, said, "We are currently at the back of Erek Mountain. This place is known as Gölardı (Toni). Further ahead is Keşiş Lake. It's a place worth seeing, and it's already on our route. Since we came, we said let's also take our share. We will throw the leaves of the uçkun we collected back into nature. It seems there is abundant uçkun this year. Especially due to the plentiful rainfall and the late arrival of spring, there is a lot of uçkun. In previous years when we came, we would only find a few here and there," he said.