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STRONG PUBLIC TURNOUT FOR THE 18TH BODRUM MANDARIN FESTIVAL IN BİTEZ
22.12.2025
The 18th Bodrum Mandarin Festival, organised under the leadership of Bodrum Municipality, the Bitez Neighbourhood Headship and the Bodrum Mandarin Movement, and sponsored by Pernod Ricard Türkiye, was held with strong public participation in Bitez.
Supported by Muğla Metropolitan Municipality, the Bodrum District Governorship, the District Directorate of Agriculture, BODTO (Bodrum Chamber of Commerce), BİTAV (Bitez Association for the Protection of Cultural and Natural Assets), BOTAV (Bodrum Promotion Foundation), BODER (Bodrum Hoteliers Association), BESİAD (Bodrum Industrialists and Businesspeople Association) and the Bodrum Yalıkavak Lions Club, the festival took place on Sunday, 21 December, in the Bitez village centre.
The event was attended by Bodrum District Governor Ali Sırmalı, Bodrum Mayor Tamer Mandalinci, representatives of public institutions, political parties, professional chambers and civil society organisations (NGOs), municipal council members, deputy mayors, department directors and staff, members of the press, and a large number of residents.
Parade and Harvest Activities Mark Festival Opening
The programme began with a colourful parade from the Bitez village centre to the Bodrum Municipality Mandarin Application Garden. Mayor Mandalinci took part in the harvest activities at the garden and shared information on the municipality’s ongoing efforts to support Bodrum mandarin production and local producers.
The programme continued in the Bitez village event area with a moment of silence and the National Anthem, followed by opening addresses.
Bitez Neighbourhood Head Seda Özgüçlü thanked all institutions and individuals who contributed to the organisation of the festival. Mustafa Mengü, President of BİTAV (Bitez Association for the Protection of Cultural and Natural Assets), drew attention to the importance of mandarin orchards benefiting from tourism and highlighted the role of agro-tourism in supporting local agriculture.
Speaking on behalf of Muğla Metropolitan Mayor Ahmet Aras, Acting Head of Bodrum District Services Branch İzzet Mert Kalem conveyed the mayor’s message and expressed appreciation to all stakeholders involved in the event for their support of local producers.
Bodrum Municipality’s Role in Supporting Mandarin Production
Mayor Tamer Mandalinci provided an overview of Bodrum’s economic transformation and the role of the Bodrum mandarin within this process. He outlined the municipality’s work, particularly through the Directorate of Agricultural Services and with the support of Pernod Ricard, aimed at protecting mandarin orchards, supporting producers through early harvest practices, and encouraging the use of mandarin-based products in local businesses.
He emphasised that the festival represents the culmination of these efforts, celebrating the fully ripened Bodrum mandarin while strengthening the connection between producers and consumers. Mayor Mandalinci also expressed his appreciation to producers who continue to protect their orchards and to all institutions, municipal staff, members of the press and residents who contributed to the festival.
Bodrum District Governor Ali Sırmalı stated that increasing the value of the Bodrum mandarin, developing production and integrating it into the local economy remains an important priority.
Presentations & Ceremonial Programme
Following the opening addresses, a Bodrum Mandarin-themed promotional video prepared by Bodrum Municipality was screened. Deputy Mayor Ercan Pehlivan delivered a presentation titled “The Local Government’s Engagement with the Bodrum Mandarin”, providing participants with detailed information on the municipality’s perspective and initiatives.
The programme continued with the traditional crate-nailing ceremony, followed by plaque presentations and a commemorative group photograph.
Music, Dance and Culinary Events
The festival hosted stands by local producers and businesses and featured a full day of cultural and artistic activities. Performances by DJ Mete of X Project, folk dance groups, and SUNU Academy took place throughout the day, alongside concerts by Didem Kasal Esentürk, Can Durmaz and Yol Project.
The “10 Kaftans, 10 Artists” fashion presentation, organised within the scope of the Pernod Ricard Türkiye Bodrum Green Project, attracted strong interest. The “Distinctive and Inspiring Bodrum Mandarin Recipes” competition, held with Chef Adnan Şentürk, and the accompanying award ceremony were among the highlights of the festival.
Municipal Service Stands & New Distribution Initiative
Bodrum Municipality’s Directorate of Agricultural Services and Directorate of Women and Family Services also took part in the festival with information stands, providing residents with details about their ongoing work.
As part of efforts to increase the economic value of the Bodrum mandarin and reach wider audiences, Bodrum Municipality announced a new initiative enabling residents to send Bodrum mandarins to recipients across Türkiye. The project aims to maximise added value for producers while offering consumers affordable prices, including shipping.
Residents wishing to place an order may apply via the Bodrum Mandarin Order Form available at the link below:
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