04.05.2026 19:46
After the rains in Eskişehir, especially in rural areas, citizens set out early in the morning for a mushroom called 'dolaman', which grows underground and costs up to 2 TL per kilogram. Fevzi Tek, a citizen collecting dolaman mushrooms, said, 'I think it's even more valuable than gold. I wouldn't be this happy if I found gold.'
Those seeking the mushroom called 'dolaman' in the rural areas of Eskişehir's Odunpazarı district put in long hours of effort. Pointed iron rods are used to find the dolaman, a type of truffle mushroom that grows underground.
ITS PRICE REACHES UP TO 2 THOUSAND TL PER KILO
Typically growing after spring rains, the price of this mushroom ranges between 1,500 and 2,000 TL per kilogram. In Eskişehir, residents begin their search in the early hours of the day and return home after collecting about 3 kilograms daily. Some tradespeople go hunting for dolaman before opening their shops in the morning. The mushroom, whose taste is likened to lamb meat, is most commonly consumed grilled or sautéed.
"WE START COLLECTING WHEN THE SUN COMES OUT"
Alaattin Çetin, a 43-year-old industrial tradesman in Eskişehir, said, "The dolaman mushroom is actually more common in Konya. We learned about the dolaman mushroom and how to collect it from our fathers and grandfathers. Unlike other mushrooms, the dolaman has higher protein content, even higher than meat. Of course, excessive consumption raises blood pressure. Its taste resembles lamb meat; it has a uniquely filling flavor even if eaten without bread. This mushroom can be cooked over embers, in the oven, sautéed in butter, or with eggs. We start collecting when the sun comes out in the morning and continue until dark. We only stop for lunch. Otherwise, we collect non-stop all day long," he said.
"I WOULDN'T BE THIS HAPPY IF I FOUND GOLD"
Fevzi Tek, who has been searching for dolaman for about 30 years, said, "I am 50 years old, and I have been collecting dolaman mushrooms since I was about 20. We compare its taste to lamb meat, but it's sweeter than lamb. It mostly appears in rural areas. Its quantity increases with rainfall. We don't sell it, but I just witnessed friends selling it for 1,500 TL per kilogram. Collecting the dolaman mushroom is also very difficult. For instance, if we wander around until evening, we can only gather about 3 kilos. If there is enough rain in September-October, it can be collected from the end of April to the end of May. I get very happy when I find a dolaman mushroom. I think it's even more valuable than gold. I wouldn't be this happy if I found gold. Collecting it quietly in nature is also very enjoyable," he said.