The project of Turkey's first "chocolate valley" has been initiated in the Gülyalı district under the metropolitan municipality of the northern province of Ordu, famous for its hazelnuts.

Over 15,000 acres, the special establishment will contain chocolate production and sales centers along with play grounds, a marina and spaces for social events.

The giant project is expected to cost TL 5 million ($2 million) and its draft implementation plan will be ready soon, Metropolitan Mayor Enver Yılmaz told Anadolu Agency. Considering the location of the establishment near the Ordu-Giresun Airport, the chocolate valley will be easily accessible to locals and tourists.

Yılmaz said the implementation phase of the project should have been started earlier, but they encountered some unfortunate problems. The project is scheduled to be put to tender in March. "I believe the valley will be a center of attraction, mostly for our children. Necessary efforts are made to realize a first in Turkey," he continued.

The project was made public in previous months, but a large portion of it has been redesigned, Yılmaz said. Municipal staff have been working intensively on it for the last couple of months.