Çelikhan Tobacco

Çelikhan tobacco is a variety of Nicotiana tabacum cultivated in the Çelikhan district of Adıyaman, known for its distinctive sweet and robust aroma, characteristic scent, and finely textured leaf structure. The plant is an annual herbaceous form, growing to a height of 70–110 cm; its leaves are arranged in a cymose pattern, fleshy, and mostly convex in shape. When dried, the leaves are light yellow in color, elastic, and soft. This tobacco is rich in nicotine and sugar content and is preferred for adding strength and aroma to blends.

Çelikhan tobacco is favored for the strength and distinctive aroma it imparts to blends. Its leaves are cymose, fleshy, tightly arranged, and elastic. These leaves, sometimes referred to as “pipoluk,” are dried to a ripe, light yellow hue. The lower leaves are thick-textured, while the upper leaves are thin and soft. In terms of chemical composition:

• Nicotine content: 2.85–5.35%
• Reducing sugar content: 0.20–1.15%
• Total sugar content: ranges from 9.40% to 20.50%

Harvesting begins when the plants reach the desired height and the leaves mature. The leaves on the main stem are removed in two to three stages at intervals, starting 10–15 days after topping, along with the removal of lateral shoots (suckering). During harvesting, leaves are carefully plucked by hand while still attached to the stem and arranged in rows to dry in the sun or in the shade.

• Drying in the sun: Leaves are strung on ropes and exposed directly to sunlight for 5–8 days. Prolonged exposure causes the tobacco to dry excessively and become brittle.
• Drying in the shade: This method takes longer and occurs in areas without direct sunlight. The tobacco dries naturally through air circulation without physical damage.

During drying, leaves are arranged in double rows on ropes without overlapping. The process known as “tavlama” is applied during rainy and humid periods in spring and autumn. In tavlama, leaves with approximately 20% moisture content are stacked indoors and subjected to controlled temperatures to initiate fermentation.

After dried tobacco leaves are sorted to remove damaged or defective ones, 25–30 leaves are stripped of their stems and grouped into homogeneous bundles based on color and size. These bundles are then pressed and opened twice in a process called “isfi” to prepare them for blending.

Çelikhan tobacco is a registered geographical indication product, certified in 2002. Its control is coordinated by the Çelikhan Rural Services Union, in collaboration with the Faculty of Agriculture at Harran University, the District Directorate of Agriculture, and relevant public institutions. Inspections are conducted on-site at least once annually. Leaf and product analyses are carried out by authorized laboratories.