Turkey is famously known for its dried figs all around the world. Due to the favorable mediterranean climate the cultivation of figs on a large scale is possible. Most importantly, the Anatolian region is historically known for being the natural habitat of the first wild figs. Therefore, as I have an extended interest in the cultivation of figs it was natural for me to dedicate part of my end of November 2009 vacation in Turkey towards this fascinating subject. With the suggestion of Byron Wiley, I contacted the Turkish Fig Research Institute in Erbeyli. After a few email exchanges with Dr. Ferit Çobanoğlu I made the necessary arrangements to be able reach the institute during my stay in Turkey.

The Institute has a vast collection of fig cultivars from all around Turkey. Their collection numbers 56 caprifigs and 271 female cultivars. Additionally, the majority of female cultivars in their collection contain an important number of Smyrna type varieties, a few San Pedro types and some varieties of common figs such as the Masui-Dauphine from Japan. They are also conducting research into the most well known commercial varieties such as Sarılop, Bursa Siyahı and Bardacık. (Normally, we find dried Sarılop figs at our local grocery stores.  As for Bursa Siyahı, it is sold as fresh figs in the European markets.)

The fig research Institute specialises on several research aspects emphasising on production, harvesting, and cultivation techniques. They are also conducting research on possible alternative cultivars from Turkey and Japan such as the Masui-Dauphine. During my visit, Dr. Ferit Çobanoğlu and Dr. İlknur Kösoğlu took the time show me some of their research topics and their extensive orchards of female cultivars. Furthermore, there were so many cultivars that I would probably have never been able to remember all their names. Frankly, I must state that I felt humbled by their massive knowledge on the cultivation of figs.

Dr. Ferit Çobanoğlu and his colleges offered me tea and invited me to sit down and visit their offices. When I visited the fig research institute in Erbeyli I never expected to receive such a warm welcome from Dr. Çobanoğlu and his colleagues. Additionally, they were most kind in introducing me to Ramadan Özkan who is the director of the institute. Typical of Turkish kindness, everyone at the institute was warm and welcoming. Personally, as a hobbyist of fig cultivation my visit at the Institute instilled in me a more scientific approach towards this topic.