Bursa’s black figs: Loved by queens, powered by women, farmers priced out of market
Sultan Firtina (left) and Sila Ozkan (right) are among the women leading the black fig industry in Bursa, Türkiye, despite economic challenges, Bursa, Türkiye, Mar. 7, 2025. (Created with Canva / Dilek Atli)
Bursa’s black figs, one of Türkiye’s most renowned agricultural products, continues to gain international recognition.
The fruit, which has received geographical recognition from the European Union, is widely exported across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
However, despite its success, local farmers and producers face significant challenges, particularly women who are trying to break into the male-dominated agricultural industry.
Turkish women farmers making strides in Bursa’s black fig production
Women are increasingly taking part in Türkiye’s agricultural sector, particularly in the black fig industry. Agricultural engineer Sila Ozkan, who comes from a rice farming background, has been exporting black figs to Moldova for the past year.
She was able to start her business by securing state funding designated for female entrepreneurs. “As an agricultural engineer, I knew what I needed to do. I took advantage of funding for female entrepreneurs, and I started production right away,” Ozkan said to Inside Türkiye.
Despite an equal number of men and women working in agriculture, Ozkan discussed the imbalance in entrepreneurship. “There are plenty of women in Türkiye’s agriculture sector, but I wish they were more heavily involved in the entrepreneurial side of it,” she said. She believes that more agricultural entrepreneurship training and expanded state subsidies would encourage more women to enter the business.
Sultan Firtina, a fig farmer for over two decades, also emphasized the financial difficulties of farming. “Being a woman farmer is nice and extremely difficult at once,” she said. She and her husband rely on their savings for half the year, making them vulnerable to fluctuations in currency rates and rising costs.
Her husband, Erkan Firtina, believes that producers and workers do not benefit enough from fig exports. “Exporters kept prices low this year. It’s the exporters making money, not producers,” he said.
Bursa’s black figs gain global recognition
Bursa’s black figs, known for their dark purple skin and sweet, honeyed taste, account for 90% of Türkiye’s total fig production.
The fruit received a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) from the European Union in September 2024, a status that protects its name and characteristics. This recognition is expected to strengthen its global market position.
- Bursa is responsible for more than half of Türkiye’s 18,000-tonne fig exports. In 2024 alone, fig exports brought in $38.2 million in revenue
- The fruit is particularly popular in the United Kingdom, with historical links to the British royal family
- A visit from Queen Elizabeth II in 2008, along with Kate Middleton’s reported use of black figs to alleviate morning sickness, contributed to their popularity abroad
Bursa’s black figs are mainly exported fresh to Norway, Sweden, Hong Kong, Germany, the Netherlands, France, Italy, and England.
The fruit’s long shelf life makes it attractive to international markets. “Figs last longer; I’m not sure if that’s due to the soil or the air here,” said Sait Kaya, a fig farmer in Bursa’s Mudanya district.
Challenges Turkish farmers face in production of fig
Despite strong exports, farmers continue to struggle with rising costs and climate-related issues. Global warming has affected fig yields, with growers reporting declines despite planting more trees.
Fig farmer Sait Kaya noted that unpredictable weather conditions impact production. “June’s weather being hot and humid and rainy at the same time results in the figs falling off abruptly,” he said.
Farmers also face difficulties in maintaining domestic supply. Many complain that while international consumers enjoy easy access to Bursa’s black figs, domestic prices remain high.
“Most years, domestic consumers can’t find any black figs while consumers abroad can savor it,” said Osman Ozkan, Sila Ozkan’s father. He believes that increasing state subsidies could help boost production and make figs more affordable in Türkiye.
Calls for stronger support to Turkish fig growers
Farmers and agricultural experts argue that Türkiye needs to improve its support policies for fig growers. Many producers believe that establishing cooperatives would help them compete with exporters and secure fairer prices. However, state support is needed to make this possible.
The PDO registration of Bursa’s black figs is seen as a positive step, protecting the product’s reputation and preventing unfair competition.
Ambassador Thomas Ossowski, Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Türkiye, said the E.U.’s registration of Bursa black figs “demonstrates the commitment of the E.U. and Türkiye to protect local practices, consumers, and goods, as well as producers.”
Local farmers and workers continue to push for better conditions as international recognition and strong export numbers have helped Bursa’s black fig industry grow. Women, in particular, are seeking greater opportunities and support to become more active in fig production and entrepreneurship.
