Bitlis Honey

Bitlis Honey is a multifloral flower honey produced in the high-altitude meadows of Bitlis Province in Türkiye’s Eastern Anatolia Region. On 8 January 2025, following an application submitted on 25 September 2023, it was officially registered as a geographical indication by the Türk Patent ve Marka Kurumu (Turkish Patent and Trademark Office) under the designation of a geographical indication.

Definition and Characteristics

Bitlis Honey is produced in golden amber hues with a resinous appearance and is available in comb, traditional log hive and filtered varieties. The region’s rich flora and endemic plant diversity are the most important factors determining the honey’s aroma and quality. Analyses distinguish Bitlis Honey from other honeys by criteria such as high proline content (at least 800 mg/kg), low moisture content (below 15%), low HMF (maximum 2.5 mg/kg), and high diastase number (at least 28).

Due to the presence of pollen from 43 species belonging to 20 plant families, Bitlis Honey exhibits a multifloral character. Notable endemic plants include Bitlis ivywort (Isatis bitlisica), Bitlis vetchling (Lathyrus bitlisicus), Bitlis gypsophila (Gypsophila bitlisensis), Bitlis figwort (Scrophularia bitlisica), and Bitlis dandelion (Taraxacum kurdiciforme).

Production Methods

• Fixed beekeeping: Conducted using traditional methods in black log hives.
• Migratory beekeeping: Modern hives are transported to alpine meadows at altitudes ranging from 1900 to 2500 meters.
• Log hive production: Hives made from willow branches and coated externally with mud or animal dung yield pure, additive-free honey.

The honey is harvested once a year. Log hive honey is typically collected in October–November, after the cold season. Comb and log hive honeys are sold without filtration, packaged in glass jars or food-compatible containers.

Bitlis Honey Production (Anadolu Agency)

Harvest and Production Areas

Bitlis is among the last provinces in Türkiye to complete its annual honey harvest. Log hive honey is primarily produced in the high-altitude meadows of the districts of Hizan, Tatvan, Mutki and Ahlat. The endemic flora and climatic conditions of these meadows contribute to the honey’s high aroma and proline values.

Beekeepers typically obtain an average of 3–8 kg of honey per hive. In 2024, production of log hive honey in the Hizan region alone targeted approximately 800 tons. The product is exported not only to domestic markets but also to European and Arab countries.

Bitlis Honey Production (Anadolu Agency)

Awards and International Achievements

• Paris International Honey Competition (2024, 2025): Bitlis beekeeper Serdar Naci Ersan won the “Golden Honey” award for two consecutive years. His honey was recognized for its exceptional proline, pollen and diastase levels and is produced at altitudes of 2500 meters.
• London (2023): Bitlis Honey received the “Golden Honey” award.
• Apimondia World Congress of Beekeeping: Bitlis Honey has also won awards at this international forum, enhancing its global recognition.

These accolades have contributed to Bitlis Honey being featured in prestigious European retail stores and have boosted its export volumes.

Economy and Export

Beekeeping is one of Bitlis’s key livelihood sources. Log hive honey is primarily exported to European and Gulf countries and has established a presence in premium retail outlets. This export activity supports both the provincial economy and Türkiye’s global standing in the honey sector.

Monitoring and Protection

The production, processing and packaging of Bitlis Honey occur within the boundaries of Bitlis Province. Inspections are conducted three times annually by a commission composed of representatives from the Bitlis Chamber of Commerce and Industry, coordinated by the Bitlis Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry, Bitlis Eren University, and the Union of Craftsmen and Artisans Chambers.