Economy Newspaper / Olive Cultivation Development Project Bore Fruit with Dorlion

SCIENTIFIC TOUCH IN OLIVE CULTIVATION: THE DORLION BRAND WAS BORN

The Olive Cultivation Development Project, launched by Eskişehir Metropolitan Municipality in 2022, achieved great success in a short time under the scientific guidance of Prof. Dr. Mücahit Taha Özkaya, one of Turkey’s leading olive experts. Led by Prof. Dr. Özkaya, known as the “Olive Father of Anatolia” and Director of Ankara University’s Food Safety Institute, the project revitalized olive production in the heart of the steppe, paving the way for the creation of one of Turkey’s highest-quality and most efficient natural extra virgin olive oils:

Dorlion.

Dorlion

Prof. Dr. Özkaya’s years of expertise in olive cultivation opened the door to a major transformation, particularly in the Middle Sakarya Valley (Sarıcakaya and Mihalgazi), a region in Central Anatolia with a historical legacy of olive growing. Scientific soil and climate analyses, sapling selection, pruning, fertilization, and harvesting techniques were meticulously transferred to farmers by Özkaya’s expert team. Over 32,000 olive saplings distributed to 257 producers, supported by training, laid the foundation for sustainable and high-quality production in the region.

Demonstration fields were established on lands owned by Eskişehir Metropolitan Municipality in Sarıcakaya’s Laçin neighborhood. Under Prof. Dr. Özkaya’s supervision, products obtained through early and mature harvest techniques in these fields stood out not only in terms of yield but also in quality. During the November-December 2024 harvest season, 29 tons of olives collected from 15 producers yielded 5,500 liters of high-polyphenol natural extra virgin olive oil.

Ayşe Ünlüce Eskişehir Büyükşehir Belediye Başkanı

This exceptional olive oil was officially registered as the “Dorlion” brand by the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office on July 1, 2024. Dorlion quickly captured the attention of both the public and experts. At the 18th Natural Extra Virgin Olive Oil Quality Competition organized by the Zeytindostu Association, Dorlion won awards with three different harvest varieties, proving its transparency through blind tastings conducted in the presence of a notary.

Eskişehir Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ayşe Ünlüce stated: “Through this scientifically grounded project led by Prof. Dr. Mücahit Taha Özkaya, we have not only cultivated olives but also developed a model for progress. We take pride in offering the public one of Turkey’s highest-quality natural extra virgin olive oils, with the highest measured values.”

The project also stands out for its social impact.

The 5-liter Dorlion olive oils produced were distributed to families in need through social support programs, showcasing an exemplary model of solidarity.

This success story, born from science, effort, and solidarity, has once again proven that olive cultivation is not exclusive to the Aegean or Mediterranean regions but can thrive in every corner of Turkey with the right knowledge and expertise.

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