Sıhke Kavunu

Sıhke melon (Cucumis melo L.) is a summer-type melon native to the Tuşba district of Van Province, characterized by an elliptical shape and yellow-orange color. It was officially registered as a Geographical Indication (Registration No: 1413) by the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office on 18 July 2023, following an application submitted by the Van Chamber of Commerce on 8 July 2021.

• Application Date / No: 8 July 2021 (C2021/000277)
• Registration Date / No: 18 July 2023, No: 1413 (Geographical Indication)
• Registered by: Van Chamber of Commerce, Tuşba/Van
• Product Group: Processed and unprocessed fruits and vegetables
• Geographical Boundary: All production and biological-methodological processes must be carried out exclusively within the boundaries of the Tuşba district of Van Province.
• Usage Conditions: The term “Sıhke Kavunu” and the geographical indication emblem must be visibly displayed on the product or packaging or within the production facility.
• Monitoring: At least annually, a commission of at least three members composed of experts from Van Yüzüncü Yıl University Faculty of Agriculture and the Provincial Directorate of Agriculture, under the coordination of the Van Chamber of Commerce, conducts inspections. Monitoring is carried out based on physicochemical criteria, production methodology, and compliance with geographical indication usage.

• Morphology: Average weight 1–2 kg, length 18–22 cm, diameter 14–16 cm; fruit shape elliptical; flower structure andromonoecious.
• Maturity Period: 140–150 days — a late-maturing summer melon variety.
• Sugar Content: Soluble solids (Brix) at 5–8%; a low-sweetness melon suitable for fresh consumption.
• pH Value: Ranges between 5 and 6.
• Aroma: Low; flavor, aroma, and texture are characterized by a simple and fresh taste.
• pH, acidity, and flesh-rind measurements: Cream-yellow flesh, yellow-patterned rind; wrinkling and secondary discoloration features are specified in the technical definition.

• Seed Storage: Seeds harvested from mature fruits are washed, dried for one week under ambient conditions, and stored in food-safe bags in cool, dark environments.
• Soil Preparation and Sowing: Deep plowing in autumn; followed by re-plowing and disk harrowing in spring. Sowing occurs between 10 May and 1 June; row spacing 120–150 cm × 60–90 cm; planting depth approximately 2–3 cm.
• Weeding and Fruit Thinning: Weed control, shoot tip pruning, and fruit thinning are applied; the first fruits are removed to promote vegetative growth of the plant.
• Fertilization: Approximately 10–20 kg of pure nitrogen, 10–15 kg of phosphorus, and 20–25 kg of potassium per decare are applied. Nitrogen is applied in three stages: May, June, and July.
• Irrigation: Conducted at a frequency sufficient to replace at least 90% of evaporation (every 6–12 days). Irrigation is gradually reduced as harvest approaches.
• Harvest and Storage: Harvest occurs between late August and the last week of October, indicated by stem detachment and softening at the fruit’s basal end. Storage lasts 2–3 weeks at temperatures of +4–10 °C and 60–70% relative humidity. Average yield: 2.5–4.5 tons per decare.

The Sıhke melon is a symbol of local identity and traditional agricultural culture in Van’s Tuşba district and has gained official recognition through its geographical indication. This recognition has supported the income model of regional producers. The geographical indication process has enhanced the product’s brand value and facilitated its promotion at both regional and national levels.