Cherries are grown in several regions across Turkey, benefiting from the country's diverse climate and suitable growing conditions. Some of the main cherry-growing regions in Turkey include:
- Bursa: Bursa is one of the most prominent cherry-growing regions in Turkey. Located in northwestern Turkey, Bursa's mild climate and fertile soils provide ideal conditions for cherry cultivation. The province is known for producing high-quality sweet cherries, particularly varieties like Uludağ Early, Napoleon, and Regina.
- Izmir: Izmir, located in western Turkey along the Aegean coast, is another significant cherry-producing region. The region's Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and warm summers, supports the cultivation of various cherry varieties, including both sweet and sour cherries.
- Afyonkarahisar: Afyonkarahisar, situated in central Turkey, is renowned for its cherry orchards. The province's continental climate, characterized by hot summers and cold winters, is well-suited for cherry cultivation. Afyonkarahisar produces a range of cherry varieties, including popular sweet cherry cultivars like 0900 Ziraat and 0903 Van.
- Isparta: A well-known city of Turkey, Isparta, and its surrounding areas also produce cherries. The province's climate features hot summers and cold winters, making it suitable for cherry cultivation. Isparta's cherry orchards primarily grow sweet cherry varieties, supplying both domestic and export markets.
- Other Regions: In addition to the main cherry-growing regions mentioned above, cherries are also cultivated in various other parts of Turkey, including provinces like Antalya, Adana, Yalova, and Sakarya. These regions benefit from different climatic conditions and elevation levels, allowing for cherry cultivation throughout the country.
Overall, Turkey's diverse geography and climatic variability contribute to the widespread cultivation of cherries across different regions. Each cherry-growing region has its unique characteristics, including soil types, elevation levels, and microclimates, influencing the types of cherry varieties cultivated and the timing of the harvest.