Aromatic agrotourism: Exploring the saffron and lavender garden in Safranbolu
“Safranova Garden: A New Agrotourism Route in Safranbolu”
Safranbolu, a charming town in Turkey known for its historical architecture, has added a new attraction to its tourism offerings. The Provincial Director of Agriculture and Forestry, Çetin Ayvalık, announced the establishment of a lavender and saffron garden in the village of Gayza.
This ambitious project, started last year, has resulted in a 55-decare garden filled with lavender and saffron plants. The lavender plants were carefully cultivated in an area of 35 decares between April and May, and it has been a delight to witness their growth over the past 15 months. In fact, the garden now boasts the world’s largest lavender labyrinth.
Saffron, another valuable and sought-after plant, was planted in the remaining part of the garden in August last year. The first harvest of saffron took place in November, and now the lavender harvest has begun as well. Ayvalık expressed satisfaction with the progress, stating that they have had a successful and productive year.
To make the most of the lavender harvest, a distillation facility has been set up within the garden. Here, the lavender oils are extracted and the quality is described as excellent. These lavender oils will be bottled and made available to consumers and visitors at the garden’s sales office.
The project, known as “Safranova,” has already become a visual spectacle. Ayvalık revealed that various objects have been strategically placed within the garden, turning it into a natural photography studio. The lavender blooms have created a stunning visual beauty, adding to the appeal of the garden.
Ali Sami Acar, the President of Safranbolu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, highlighted the contribution of the garden to Safranbolu tourism. He encourages everyone to visit this unique place and believes that families can have a great time exploring it with their children.
Visitors have also expressed their admiration for the garden. Sevilay Cengiz remarked that she thoroughly enjoyed her visit and encourages others to see it as well. Meryem Berber, who traveled from Zonguldak, shared her amazement at the lavender plants and the joy it brought to her family.
Safranova Garden has rapidly become a must-visit attraction in Safranbolu, attracting eco and agrotourism enthusiasts. With its captivating lavender and saffron fields, it promises a unique experience for nature lovers and those seeking unforgettable visuals.
