Rationale for the Establishment of the Malatya Turgut Ozal University Bee and Bee Products Development - Application and Research Center (TÖMAGAM)

Turkey ranks among the foremost nations globally for annual honey and beeswax output, attributed to its climate, vegetation, and the prevalence of beehives conducive to beekeeping. Our country produces 114,471 tons of honey, with 59,030 members enrolled in the Turkish Beekeepers Association and 7,947,687 hives.


The rising prominence of traditional and complementary medicine practices has elevated the significance of Apitherapy, which utilizes bee products for treatment. Issues emerge from inadequate quality goods in applications involving bee products such as honey, pollen, propolis, royal jelly, apilarnil, and bee bread (perga), which are also utilized as dietary supplements. Confusion arises and inequitable advantages are obtained in the use of these items, which lack standardized production and market supply, as well as during their application by medical professionals.

Our center will assess the products of regional beekeepers according to the quality requirements outlined in the Turkish Food Codex, and analytical reports will be generated. Beekeepers whose products do not meet quality standards will get training in production techniques and applications. Regular field inspections will be conducted by the commission formed inside the Center. The province of Malatya will be educated about beekeeping and apicultural goods.

The Bee and Bee Products Development-Application and Research Center (TÖMAGAM) will safeguard the indigenous bee species, ecotypes, and strains in Turkey, particularly in Malatya Province and its vicinity. It will establish genetic resource conservation zones in suitable locations and generate research and development projects through relevant studies.

It will serve as a reference center at both regional and national levels by creating laboratories for the analysis of bee product compositions and standards. Furthermore, a primary objective is to build a laboratory for diagnosing apian diseases and recommending treatments, thereby aiding in the resolution of these issues faced by beekeepers. The Center will prioritize the initiation of courses at the producer level.

Malatya province, where the Center is located, possesses significant potential for beekeeping due to its distinctive climate, flora, and topographical features. During the summer months, migratory beekeepers specifically transport their bees to the area, as the ecological conditions are conducive to beekeeping and provide ample nectar resources. The research and applications conducted at the Bee and Bee Products Development - Application and Research Center are expected to advance beekeeping in Malatya and the nation, address issues related to bees and bee products, and enhance the country's economy and academic research.