Barren Land in Gaziantep Transformed into Almond Orchard

September 27, 2026 · gazetecin.com

A barren land in Gaziantep, stripped of its forest status, has been transformed into a model production and training center, equipped with 7,000 almond saplings and over 25,000 plants, where international youth participate in harvests.

In Gaziantep, a barren land that had lost its forest status has been transformed into a productive almond orchard through comprehensive rehabilitation and afforestation efforts. The stony area, allocated by the Bülbülzade Foundation from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry in 2008, was first cleared of stones and subjected to soil, air, and water analyses. According to official data shared by the foundation, 7,000 almond saplings were planted on the site, and over 25,000 different tree and plant species were introduced to enrich the region's flora. As a result of these efforts, the area, named 'Kurtuluş Ormanı' (Salvation Forest), has become one of the city's leading centers for agricultural production and biodiversity.

The implemented agricultural production area hosts young people from abroad within the framework of the European Union's European Solidarity Corps (ESC), with support from the Turkish National Agency. Volunteers from Azerbaijan, Italy, Morocco, Jordan, Palestine, and Syria are participating in the almond harvest after completing pruning and maintenance processes in the area.

Bülbülzade Foundation Chairman Turgay Aldemir provided details about the harvest work and the transformation of the site:

Kurtuluş Ormanı is more than just a commercial site for plant production; it has become a practical agricultural school for local people and youth. Through farming, pruning techniques, gardening, and beekeeping courses organized within the Bülbülzade Foundation, vocational skills are imparted to regional producers and young people. The area, transformed from stony and infertile land into a rich ecosystem, also offers a protected habitat for wildlife. All income generated from the sale of almonds is channeled into the foundation's social assistance and charitable activities, converting it into social benefit.

The foundation's management plans to further enhance the production center's capacity and is preparing to implement new agricultural investments around the site.

Bülbülzade Foundation Chairman Turgay Aldemir shared the future goals of the projects:

The project also aims to establish olive groves.

International volunteers who have directly participated in the harvest activities are pleased to experience rural production firsthand. 24-year-old volunteer Oussama Hannouch from Italy expressed his feelings:

Dr. Yasmeen Al-Abdallat from Jordan, who supported agricultural production by participating in the program, shared her experience:

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