Beytüşşebap Honey

Beytüşşebap Honey is a floral honey variety produced in the highland pastures of Beytüşşebap district, located in Şırnak Province, Türkiye, at elevations between 1,700 and 3,000 meters, characterized by extensive and rich flora. The product, which was registered on 23 January 2023, was officially granted a geographical indication by the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office on 8 May 2025. The entity that applied for the geographical indication is the Beytüşşebap District Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry.

Beytüşşebap Honey (Turkish Patent and Trademark Office)

Geographical and Ecological Characteristics

The Beytüşşebap district possesses favorable microclimatic conditions for beekeeping due to its mountainous topography, clean water sources, and distance from industrial and commercial activities. The region stands out for its valley, approximately 60 kilometers long, featuring rapid changes in elevation over short distances and a diverse vegetation cover. High annual rainfall and cool summers extend the flowering period, making the honey production season ideal between May and September.

The pastures where the honey is produced contain at least one species from the genera Hypericum (St. John’s wort), Apiaceae (umbellifers), Verbascum (mullein), and Scabiosa (pincushion flower). In contrast, pollen from Castanea sativa (chestnut) and Rhododendron ponticum (Pontic rhododendron) is not detected.

Distinctive Characteristics of the Honey

Beytüşşebap Honey exhibits a color range from light amber to dark amber. It is produced in comb, frame, or strained forms. The honey has a dense consistency while maintaining its fluidity. The bee breeds used in its production include Apis mellifera caucasica, A. m. meda, A. m. ligustica, A. m. syrica, and their hybrids. The quality of the honey is preserved thanks to the region’s high altitude, unique flora, and pristine environmental conditions.

Production Process

Beekeeping activities are carried out both as settled and transhumant practices. The preparation process, which begins in March, involves the care of bee colonies, queen bee monitoring, and feeding. The main nectar flow typically lasts from mid-May to mid-September.

Hives are placed on gently sloping terrain near water sources and away from human settlements. Honey harvesting occurs at the end of August to the beginning of September, following the cessation of pollen and nectar flow. Only the honeycomb sections containing honey are harvested; honey from the brood area is not collected. The harvested honey is stored under appropriate temperature and hygienic conditions; no filtration is applied that would alter its pollen content.

Physicochemical Properties

Some measured values for Beytüşşebap Honey are as follows:

• Moisture content: 14.40% – 14.80%
• Proline content: 407.10 – 1,175.42 mg/kg
• Sucrose content: 0.01% – 0.49%
• Fructose + Glucose content: 73.077% – 78.135%
• HMF (Hydroxymethylfurfural) value: 0.645 – 8.838 mg/kg

These characteristics serve as indicators supporting the honey’s freshness, naturalness, and region-specific identity.

Economic and Cultural Significance

Beytüşşebap Honey is a vital source of livelihood for the local population. Beekeeping constitutes a significant portion of the district’s agricultural economy. Its production at high altitudes and in areas free from industrial pollution ensures high demand based on both quality and reliability. The granting of the geographical indication aims to preserve traditional production methods and enhance the product’s brand value.