Şanlıurfa cotton is a type of cotton produced within the borders of Şanlıurfa province using certified seeds, harvested and ginned, pressed and baled, and possesses the desired fiber technological properties for the textile industry.

Product Profile and Type of Geographical Indication

Şanlıurfa cotton falls under the category of unprocessed or processed other plant products. It has been registered by the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office as an "appellation of origin ^【1】 ". The registration of Şanlıurfa cotton indicates that its distinguishing qualities, such as brightness, softness, dye absorption, and spinning properties (strength, fiber length, etc.) originate from the climate, soil structure, ecological conditions, and irrigation opportunities of the Şanlıurfa region. Although cotton and textile production have a historical past in the region, modern cotton farming became widespread with the start of irrigation from Atatürk Dam in 1995.

^{Cotton Seeds Begin to Meet the Soil in Şanlıurfa (AA)}

Product Description and Distinguishing Features

Şanlıurfa cotton is a product demanded by the textile industry due to its fiber technological properties. Its distinguishing features are:

• Brightness and Color: Thanks to the average 50-60% humidity in Şanlıurfa, cotton fibers are bright, and dullness is not observed. Due to the absence of the whitefly pest, there is no contamination or discoloration of the fibers.

• Yield and Quality: The climate and soil conditions of the region positively affect cotton yield and fiber development, allowing for higher yields. Due to the low humidity, boll rot is not observed, which reduces the need for fungicides and positively affects the yield.

• Physical and Chemical Properties: The registration document details various physical and chemical properties such as plant height, boll count, boll weight, ginning outturn, seed weight, cotton yield, fiber length, fiber fineness, fiber strength, fiber maturity, fiber length uniformity, yellowness degree, color grade, trash content, short fiber content, long fiber content, fiber gloss, cell wall area, spinning consistency index, and moisture.

^{Cotton Picking Workers (AA)}

Production Method

The production of Şanlıurfa cotton involves specific stages from soil preparation to harvesting and storage:

Soil and Climate Requirements: Deep, organic matter-rich, and alluvial soils are preferred for high yield and quality fiber. Well-drained, easily workable, and irrigable sandy-loam soils are ideal. An average annual temperature of 19°C and 25°C in summer is required. Before boll formation, 20°C; during flowering, 25°C; and during boll development, 30-32°C are ideal temperatures. Cooler temperatures (up to 15°C) are desired for boll opening during harvest.

Soil Preparation: Includes field cleaning and breaking up hardpan (plow pan). If cotton is to be replanted, stalks are cut and incorporated into the soil in autumn. Secondary tillage is performed at the end of February or the beginning of March. Pre-emergence herbicide application is done before planting.

Planting: Cotton seeds with high genetic purity are used. Planting is done when the soil temperature is above 15°C. In Şanlıurfa, the optimum planting time is between the last week of April and the third week of May. Planting is done with 75 cm row spacing and 8-10 cm plant spacing within the row. Planting depth is generally 3-4 cm.

Maintenance: Weeds are removed by hoeing (generally 3-4 machine hoeings).

Irrigation: Water requirement is 800-1100 mm. Due to insufficient rainfall, irrigation is compulsory. The timing and amount of irrigation are adjusted according to the plant's water needs and soil moisture. Under normal climatic conditions, 7-10 irrigations are carried out at 10-15 day intervals on medium-textured soils.

Fertilization: Fertilizer amount varies according to climate, soil conditions, rotation, and cotton varieties. The type and amount of fertilizer are determined by soil analysis. Generally, 22-23 kg of nitrogenous and 7-8 kg of phosphorus fertilizer per decare are used. Potassic fertilizer is generally not needed in the region.

Harvest: Harvest begins when the bolls ripen. The harvest date depends on climate, planting date, and irrigation. In Şanlıurfa, harvest begins in the first week of September and continues until the beginning of November. For mechanical harvesting, a defoliant should be used when 60-70% of the bolls are open.

Ginning and Storage: The harvested seed cotton is processed in roller, saw, and high-speed roller gins to separate the fibers and bale them. Cotton bales are stored under controlled conditions in ginning facilities or licensed warehouses. The commercial moisture content of cotton should not exceed 8.5%, and bales should weigh at least 190 kg.

Registration Process and Details

The Şanlıurfa Chamber of Commerce and Industry applied for the geographical indication registration of Şanlıurfa cotton. The application was made on September 5, 2023, with number C2023/000225. Following the evaluation process, the product was officially registered as an "appellation of origin" on October 17, 2024, with registration number 1650. The address of the registrant is recorded as Paşabağı Mahallesi, Adalet Caddesi 9/1 Haliliye, Şanlıurfa.