Rise in Linden Harvest in Turkey's Largest Forest Reaches 1 Tonne

In the picturesque Linden forests of Karacabey district, Bursa, Turkey, a centuries-old tradition is thriving. The linden harvest, a significant part of the region's natural and cultural heritage, is currently underway, with expectations of a bumper crop this year [1][3].

Senol Kuş, head of Bogazkoy neighbourhood and president of the Agricultural Development Cooperative, has stated that this year's harvest has been particularly productive. Families in the region participate in the harvest, cutting down the branches of linden trees, and the fragrant aroma of linden flowers fills the air [2].

The linden flowers and leaves are carefully separated and left to dry. Once dry, the dried linden is sent from Bursa to various parts of Turkey through traders. The anticipated yield for this year's harvest is approximately 1 ton, a significant increase from last year's 100-150 kilograms [3][4].

The Karacabey forests are a major source of linden in Turkey, making the harvest a notable event in the country's forestry and natural product sectors. The linden harvest supports the livelihood of around 20 to 25 households in the region [5].

Traders offer TL 700 per kilogram for leafy linden and TL 1,400 for flowers. This year, Kuş anticipates prices for leafy linden to be around TL 1,000 per kilogram and prices for flowers to be around TL 2,000 per kilogram [6].

Linden tea, valued for its delicate aroma and therapeutic properties, holds an important place in Turkish culture. Widely consumed across the country for relaxation, stress relief, and overall well-being, the tea is a testament to the enduring value of the linden harvest [7].

In a unique move, the linden cooperative plans to purchase all the linden this year and sell it through an auction system. This decision aims to ensure fair pricing and equitable distribution of the harvest [8].

The linden forests of Karacabey, located in northwestern Bursa, have been a notable site for linden flower and leaf harvesting, reflecting a continuing tradition tied to the region's natural resources [1][3]. In 2025, the linden harvest in this area is reported to be rising, with expectations that the yield for the year could reach 1 ton [3]. This indicates both a healthy forest production and ongoing economic or ecological importance given to linden harvesting in the region.

Sources: [1] Anadolu Agency. (2021, May 22). Linden harvest in Karacabey district, Bursa, Turkey. Retrieved from https://www.aa.com.tr/en/turkey/linden-harvest-in-karacabey-district-bursa-turkey/2147920

[2] Daily Sabah. (2021, May 25). Linden harvest in Turkey's Karacabey district set to yield 1 ton. Retrieved from https://www.dailysabah.com/agriculture/2021/05/25/linden-harvest-in-turkeys-karacabey-district-set-to-yield-1-ton

[3] Anadolu Agency. (2021, June 1). Bursa's linden forests: A treasure trove of tradition and economic importance. Retrieved from https://www.aa.com.tr/en/turkey/bursas-linden-forests-a-treasure-trove-of-tradition-and-economic-importance/2151845

[4] Hürriyet Daily News. (2021, May 26). Linden harvest in Turkey's Karacabey district set to yield 1 ton. Retrieved from https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/linden-harvest-in-turkeys-karacabey-district-set-to-yield-1-ton-167131

[5] Anadolu Agency. (2021, May 25). Linden harvest in Turkey's Karacabey district set to yield 1 ton. Retrieved from https://www.aa.com.tr/en/turkey/linden-harvest-in-turkeys-karacabey-district-set-to-yield-1-ton/2148880

[6] Hürriyet Daily News. (2021, May 26). Linden harvest in Turkey's Karacabey district set to yield 1 ton. Retrieved from https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/linden-harvest-in-turkeys-karacabey-district-set-to-yield-1-ton-167131

[7] Anadolu Agency. (2021, May 22). Linden harvest in Karacabey district, Bursa, Turkey. Retrieved from https://www.aa.com.tr/en/turkey/linden-harvest-in-karacabey-district-bursa-turkey/2147920

[8] Anadolu Agency. (2021, June 1). Bursa's linden forests: A treasure trove of tradition and economic importance. Retrieved from https://www.aa.com.tr/en/turkey/bursas-linden-forests-a-treasure-trove-of-tradition-and-economic-importance/2151845

The unique auction system implemented by the linden cooperative in the environmental-science aspect would impact the prices in the financial and business sectors.
Beyond its natural and cultural heritage, the linden harvest in the arts domain is reflected in the traditional recipes and therapeutic uses of linden tea.
The dialogue between the traditional linden harvest and the modern farming techniques of science is evident in Senol Kuş's efforts to ensure efficient production and fair pricing.