30.10.2026 00:43
Müge Kızılırmak, 40, who worked in the tourism sector in Istanbul for 10 years, left her career behind and started farming in Bodrum. Kızılırmak, who grows many products from saffron to strawberries on a 40-decare plot of land, provides agriculture training to children and hosts tourists at her farm. The female entrepreneur's project was deemed worthy of an award by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.
Müge Kızılırmak, who left her career in Istanbul and settled in Bodrum, completely changed her life. The 40-year-old woman entrepreneur, who transitioned from the tourism sector to agriculture, managed to win an award with the 40-decare farm she established.
SHE LEFT HER 10-YEAR CAREER AND SETTLED IN BODRUM
Müge Kızılırmak, married and mother of one child, who worked in the tourism sector in Istanbul for 10 years, moved to Bodrum about 10 years ago. Kızılırmak, who ran a restaurant here for a while, became acquainted with agriculture thanks to her need for fresh and natural products to use in her kitchen. Kızılırmak, whose interest in soil gradually increased, decided to leave restaurant management and devote all her time to production. About 6 years ago, she established her own farm on a 40-decare plot of land in the Ortakent neighborhood of Bodrum.
THE 40-DECARE PLOT HAS IT ALL
Müge Kızılırmak grows many products on her farm, including saffron, thyme, strawberries, artichokes, olives, tomatoes, and eggplant. Kızılırmak, who states that they produce without using chemical pesticides, places particular importance on strawberry and saffron cultivation. The products grown on the farm are not only harvested but also transformed into new products through different processes. The entrepreneur, who also provides training in aromatherapy, phytotherapy, and natural cosmetics, aims to increase the value obtained from production.
CHILDREN PICK STRAWBERRIES FROM THE PLANT
Kızılırmak's farm also attracts attention with its educational activities alongside agricultural production. The entrepreneur, who cooperates with schools in Bodrum, provides hands-on agricultural training to children from the age of 4. Children visiting the farm touch the soil and learn how vegetables and fruits grow. Visitors can also pick and buy products from the plant using their own baskets. Kızılırmak explained her approach with these words: "But we want children to see from the plant what they eat, and of course we want parents to see everything from the plant. We want children to touch the soil."
SHE RECEIVED AN AWARD FROM THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE
Müge Kızılırmak's work in agriculture also brought an important success. The project prepared by the woman entrepreneur was awarded by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry as part of the October 15 World Women Farmers Day. Kızılırmak, who particularly attracted attention with her saffron production, stated that the award she received was a great source of pride for them. Kızılırmak emphasized that their understanding of production is not limited to growing crops only.
"WE ARE PRODUCING THE FUTURE"
Kızılırmak, who explained that her perspective on nature and production changed after turning to agriculture, said she feels a responsibility toward future generations. While explaining her goals, the woman entrepreneur used the following expressions: "Because we are not just farmers; we are actually producing the future. At the same time, we are also raising the producers and consumers of the future."
SOMETIMES 50 PEOPLE WORK ON THE FARM
Kızılırmak, who stated that producing without chemical pesticides requires more manpower, explained that the number of employees on the farm varies according to the season and need. At times, 2 people work on the farm, while during intense production periods, 50 people work. Different teams take part in tasks such as olive harvesting, strawberry planting, and artichoke production.
SHE ALSO SENDS PRODUCTS ABROAD
Kızılırmak, who combines her tourism experience in Istanbul with agriculture, hosts domestic and foreign tourists on her farm. The business, which allows products to be picked from the plant, offers visitors a different agricultural experience. Kızılırmak, who also works as an export consultant, contributes to delivering both her own products and those of other producers abroad. Muammer Bektaş, the Director of the Bodrum District Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry, also expressed his satisfaction with Kızılırmak's success in these words: "Having such a farmer in Bodrum and her receiving a nationwide award in Turkey is also our pride."