Kuyucak’s Authentic Aroma: A Lavender Story

The story of lavender cultivation in Kuyucak began in 1975, when a rose oil seller brought some plants from Provence, France. These plants were propagated and distributed to local farmers, becoming an important commercial crop starting in the 1990s, when rose production prices decreased. It wasn’t all easy, as perseverance was needed for the lavender fields to fully develop, since lavender is a perennial plant that takes about three years to mature.

This village is often known as the “Lavender Village” (Lavanta Köyü) and is the heart of lavender production in Turkey. It is estimated that more than 90% of Turkey’s lavender is grown in the fields surrounding Kuyucak, covering hundreds of hectares (often cited around 300 to 500 hectares).

The lavender primarily cultivated is Lavandula x intermedia var. Super A, also known as Lavandin. Although Lavandula angustifolia (true lavender) is also mentioned in relation to the region and is the original species from which Lavandin is derived, the Lavandin Super A variety is the one grown commercially on a larger scale in Kuyucak due to its high essential oil yield and good adaptation to local conditions.

Lavandin is a natural hybrid between Lavandula angustifolia and Lavandula latifolia. It is characterized by having a more camphoraceous aroma than true lavender and produces a larger amount of essential oil, making it preferable for commercial oil production.

Lavender generally begins to bloom in early June, reaching its peak splendor in late June and early July. Harvesting takes place in August. During the flowering season, the village transforms into a sea of purple, with a strong and pleasant aroma attracting photographers and tourists from all over the world.

Lavender cultivation has had a significant impact on the economy and social life of Kuyucak. It has especially empowered the women of the village, creating new income opportunities and a sense of community. In 2016, the Entrepreneurial Women’s Cooperative was established, allowing local women to actively contribute to the growth of their community.

Turkey has become a notable lavender producer, and its production area has expanded. By 2022, it was reported that lavender was cultivated on 20,000 decares (2,000 hectares) throughout the country.

This increase in production has allowed Turkey to meet its annual lavender oil needs and even have domestic and international orders. The main products that stand out besides the aforementioned lavender oil are those used in cosmetics, aromatherapy, and other industries, as well as lavender water, soap, honey, tea, lotions, and dried flowers. Apart from this, this region has a long and established history of rose oil production. (There are even projects that combine saffron and lavender cultivation to boost agritourism.)

This has generated more tourism, which has significantly improved the living standards of local communities in the Isparta region, turning Kuyucak and the surrounding lavender fields into an important agritourism destination. During the flowering season, the region attracts tens of thousands of visitors annually, both domestic and international.

Kuyucak is located in an area of great natural beauty, near Lake Burdur and with the Taurus Mountains as a backdrop, allowing visitors to enjoy leisurely walks through the lavender fields, take spectacular photographs (there are often props like swings and decorated tractors for photos), cycle through the surroundings, and enjoy picnics in nature. Additionally, Kuyucak is relatively close to the provincial capital, Isparta (about 50 km), and the Isparta Süleyman Demirel Airport (about 25 km), making it easily accessible. It is also near the main Antalya-Istanbul highway.

Local cafes and restaurants offer traditional dishes, often with a touch of lavender or rose (another important production of the Isparta region). Don’t miss the lavender and rose ice cream, a local specialty. “Gözleme” (a type of Turkish crepe) with pumpkin is also popular. And best of all, along the village roads, locals set up stalls selling lavender products and other handmade items.

As an interesting fact, although the story generally mentions that “a rose oil seller” brought the first lavender plants to Kuyucak from Provence in 1975, the specific name of this seller is not consistently mentioned in the available sources.

Some sources identify him as Zeki Konur and his collaborator Nihat Yılmaz, who brought approximately 15 lavender seedlings to about 30 families.

Researching these two individuals reveals that Zeki Konur was a rose oil trader from the Isparta region in Turkey. In 1975, during a trip to France, he brought back some lavender seedlings from Provence. He is credited with introducing lavender cultivation to the village of Kuyucak, in the Keçiborlu district of Isparta. Initially, these were planted as ornamentals around rose gardens and in house gardens. Over time, the lavender thrived, and its commercial potential was recognized, leading to the vast lavender fields for which Kuyucak is now famous. This means that Zeki Konur was the pioneer who brought lavender to Kuyucak, significantly impacting the economy and landscape of the region, and Nihat Yılmaz worked alongside Zeki, and together they brought these plants to begin what is now a beautiful field of fragrant scent.