MEDİNE MAMEDOĞLU

Colemerg (Hakkari) - In Hakkari, known for blossom honey, beekeepers have already begun to harvest their honey. The beekeepers, who harvest their honey in June after feeding their bees for months, told us that the economic crisis also affects them. Hatun Unat is a female beekeeper in the city and beekeeping is the only source of income for her. She has worked as a beekeeper for 25 years.

“Beekeeping is our family business”

Stating that she and her husband have visited almost all cities for 25 years, Hatun Unat noted that the nature and climate of Hakkari is very productive for bees. Indicating that they begin to harvest their honey in June, she said, “Beekeeping is our family business. It is the only source of income for my family. We feed our bees with sugar syrup in winter. After they produce honey, we harvest them and bottle them. Then, we sell them.”

“The economic crisis also affects us”

Underlining that they used to make more money from beekeeping, Hatun Unat said, “The ongoing economic crisis also affects us. I raised my children by feeding bees. Most people living here make a living from beekeeping. The economic crisis affects all people, including us. The price of sugar is increasing.”

“Şemzinan honey is both delicious and healthy”

Local people call the honey produced in Şemdinli as “Şemzinan honey”. Speaking about the Şemzinan honey, Hatun Unat said, “This honey is both delicious and healthy because it is raw honey. It plays an important role in the treatment of many diseases. Not only honey but also bee milk is good for health. I have to do this job no matter if I like it or not. I raised my children and built a house from beekeeping.”