FATMA ŞAHİN: OUR ANCESTRAL SEEDS ARE OUR OIL

The Gaziantep Metropolitan Municipality has launched the 3rd Traditional Seed Exchange and Nature-Friendly Agriculture Festival, an event that bridges the agricultural heritage of the past with the production technologies of the future.

The festival, which hosts a wide range of activities—from the preservation of ancestral seeds and the implementation of smart farming practices to sustainable production and initiatives that connect children with nature—saw Gaziantep Metropolitan Mayor Fatma Şahin highlight the strategic importance of food security, describing ancestral seeds as one of the city’s most valuable resources.

Held at Festival Park, the event aims to safeguard Gaziantep’s centuries-old agricultural legacy, pass on local seed diversity to future generations, and promote a nature-friendly approach to production.

Organized by the Gaziantep Metropolitan Municipality’s Department of Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development and hosted by Özge Şahin, the program offered farmers, producers, children, and the general public a unique opportunity to experience both the past and the future of agriculture in one setting.

On the first day of the festival, Mayor Fatma Şahin toured the exhibition booths alongside protocol members and children, learning about the ongoing initiatives. Children were introduced to plants, animals, and agricultural production processes through hands-on activities, while modern, sustainable, and nature-friendly farming techniques were showcased.

Prior to the opening speeches, a promotional film detailing the Metropolitan Municipality’s support for rural development, agricultural production, and local farmers was presented to the attendees.

SEÇKİN: IF WE CARE ABOUT OUR FUTURE AND OUR CHILDREN, WE MUST PROTECT OUR SEEDS

Kenan Seçkin, Head of the Department of Rural Development and Agricultural Services at Gaziantep Metropolitan Municipality, stated that seeds are among the most vital legacies to be passed on to future generations, noting that agricultural production is directly linked to the fundamental needs of human life.

Highlighting that the Metropolitan Municipality’s rural development initiatives have been recognized with national-level awards, Seçkin remarked:

“If we care about our future and our children, we must protect our seeds. Humanity has three basic needs in this world—needs that ensure life continues: food, clothing, and shelter. The foundation for all of these is the seed and the soil. That is why you are here with us today at this event; you provide us with morale and strength. In Istanbul, at the ‘Golden Compass’ (Altın Pusula) awards, Gaziantep Metropolitan Municipality received recognition in five separate categories. These achievements are the result of our work carried out under the leadership and direction of Fatma Şahin—specifically regarding city branding and the promotion of the city through its local culinary heritage.”

A 3-DAY FESTIVAL: FROM ANCESTRAL SEEDS TO SMART AGRICULTURE

The 3rd Traditional Seed Exchange and Nature-Friendly Agriculture Festival, held at Festival Park from October 22–24, invites visitors of all ages to connect with the world of soil and agricultural production. The three-day event, dedicated to showcasing local and heirloom seeds, will feature seed exchanges, seedling planting, composting, workshops on eco-friendly farming, smart agricultural practices, discussions, and a variety of other activities.

The festival, which allows children to learn about agriculture through hands-on experience, will foster the exchange of knowledge and expertise among producers, while also contributing to the preservation of Gaziantep’s rich variety of local seeds and the promotion of awareness regarding sustainable agriculture.

The opening program concluded with the taking of a commemorative photograph by protocol members and participants, followed by a tour of the stalls set up at the festival grounds.