Two Compete for Quarter Gold Worth 5,500 TL
The price of turbot fish in Samsun is now competing with gold prices. With turbot selling for between 900 TL and 1,200 TL per kilo, you can now buy a quarter of gold with just a 5-kilogram turbot fish.
The winter in Samsun has been harsh for a long time, but with the influence of southern winds, the weather has warmed up. This has led to an increase in the abundance of many fish species, as the boats have set sail and the fishermen have started their catch.
While some fish species like whiting, horse mackerel, and red mullet have decreased in availability, the price of anchovy has reached 200 TL per kilo as they migrate towards Georgia. Additionally, the price of turbot has skyrocketed to 1,200 TL per kilo, depending on its size.
In the free market, a quarter of gold is sold for nearly 5 thousand TL, while a kilo of turbot in Samsun fetches 1,200 TL. Considering that a 5-kilogram turbot fish can now compete in price with a quarter of a gold coin, it is clear that the market dynamics for fish have drastically changed.
Onurcan Köse, a fishmonger in Samsun, explained that a large turbot weighing 3.5 kilos sells for 1,200 TL per kilo, while a smaller one weighing 1.5 kilos sells for 900 TL per kilo. The total price for these two fish, weighing 5 kilos in total, now reaches 5,500 TL.
With anchovies becoming larger and less abundant, the anchovy season is slowly coming to an end. Despite the high prices, many believe that the quality and taste of the fish justify the cost. As the market continues to fluctuate, consumers will have to decide whether to pay the high prices for their favorite fish or seek out more economical options.
