The first pistachio of the year receives an award from GTB

In Gaziantep, a significant center for agricultural production, the first pistachio crop of 2024 has been harvested. The first crop of the year, red-shelled pistachios grown by farmer Abdurrahman Açıkgöz from Teketaşı village in Gaziantep's Karkamış district, was awarded a gold coin by the Gaziantep Commodity Exchange (GTB).

The ‘Green Gold’ pistachio, synonymous with Gaziantep and vital to the city and regional economy, saw its first early harvest of 2024. A ceremony was held at GTB to celebrate the season’s first pistachio, which had achieved its natural color and flavor about a month prior to the harvest season.

During the ceremony, attended by GTB Board Chairman Mehmet Akıncı, Board Member Mehmet Özmen, and General Secretary Özgür Bayram, farmer Abdurrahman Açıkgöz was awarded a gold coin for growing the first pistachio of 2024.

“Pistachios are our pride”

In his speech at the annual traditional award ceremony for the first pistachio of the year, GTB Board Chairman Akıncı stated, “Pistachios are among Gaziantep's most cherished agricultural products. We celebrate the first harvest of pistachios each year with a festive spirit, as they have been a symbol of abundance and prosperity in these lands for centuries.”

Akıncı highlighted that pistachios hold far more value for Gaziantep than just an agricultural product, noting, “Our ancestral heritage, our cultural product, pistachio, represents not only an economic value but also a lifestyle and brand value for these lands. The pistachio, which bears our city's name and is regarded as 'green gold,' is a major component of our gastronomic identity and has strong social and cultural impacts.”

Award for the first pistachio

Akıncı explained that GTB traditionally awards the producer of the first red-shelled pistachio each year to raise awareness about pistachios and encourage farmers. He mentioned that the aim is to both preserve an important tradition since the establishment of the Gaziantep Commodity Exchange and honor the producers of pistachios, which are difficult and labor-intensive to cultivate, with a small token of appreciation.

Recalling that this year is a "bearing year" for pistachios, Akıncı expressed hope for a fruitful season despite some regional hail events and noticeable climatic changes. He wished producers a bountiful harvest season and thanked the Gaziantep Commodity Exchange for its support and close attention to pistachio growers.

Growing the first pistachio for the second time

Farmer Abdurrahman Açıkgöz, who produced the first pistachio of the year, expressed his joy and pride in growing the first pistachio for the second time. He noted that he had also delivered the season's first pistachio to the Gaziantep Commodity Exchange last year. Açıkgöz said, “We have been engaged in pistachio production in our village for years, working on approximately 150-200 decares of land. Some of the pistachios in our garden come from special varieties called Barak Yıldızı, which mature about a month earlier than other varieties. This year, I brought the first red-shelled pistachios, which we picked early in the morning, to the exchange. Compared to last year's first pistachios, this year’s pistachios matured about 10 days earlier. I wish all farmers a safe and productive season and thank the Gaziantep Commodity Exchange for their close interest and support.”

Following the speeches, farmer Abdurrahman Açıkgöz was presented with a gold coin for growing the season’s first red-shelled pistachio.