'Queen of beekeepers' on hunt for best honey
Arzu Aldemir received the best woman beekeeper award. (AA Photo)


A 63-year-old Turkish woman with decades of experience in beekeeping travels to different provinces in the country in search of the best honey and pollen.

Arzu Aldemir, known as the "queen of beekeepers," has 31 years of experience in the field and she has a total of 600 beehives in the western Muğla province of Turkey. "People try to help me. I get positive reactions wherever I go. Not just honey, I also produce pollen," said Aldemir, who was honored as "the best woman beekeeper" in 2019. "Beekeeping is a difficult task. The maintenance and cleaning of hives is difficult; however, I do enjoy my job. I do my best to improve myself, attending seminars and training. With new information, I broaden my horizons," she said.

Emphasizing that beekeeping has become a great part of her life, she said she got used to this profession so much that she did not even feel bee sting anymore. She said she would chase the spring-like climate across the country so that she would find the best honey for her customers.

Ziya Şahin, the head of Turkey’s beekeeping association, said Aldemir stood as an example for other beekeepers as she produced a significant amount of honey and pollen every year. "She contributes to her life and the national economy. From west to east, she goes everywhere. She is an example for other beekeepers," he said.