Exploring Two Decades of Change in Turkish Apiculture through Spatiotemporal Data Analysis

Öz

This study examines the apiculture sector in Türkiye between 2004 and 2024 using data from the Turkish Statistical Institute, focusing on temporal, spatial, and relational dimensions. Time-series analyses, spatial visualizations, productivity comparisons, and correlation assessments were applied to reveal the structural transformation of the sector. The findings indicate a steady increase in modern hive numbers alongside a gradual decline in traditional hives. While overall honey production has grown, per-hive productivity has not improved significantly, suggesting that modernization alone is insufficient. Spatial analyses revealed that provinces such as Ordu, Muğla, and Adana remain dominant in production, yet substantial regional inequalities persist. Comparative and relational analyses highlighted a strong positive relationship between modern hive adoption and honey output, whereas traditional hives contributed little. The study concludes that Turkish apiculture is undergoing a modernization-driven transformation of hive structures and production practices, but efficiency stagnation and regional disparities necessitate complementary policies and practices to ensure sustainable development.

Anahtar Kelimeler

• Apiculture
• honey production
• modern hives
• traditional hives
• productivity
• spatial analysis

Kaynakça

1. Abacı, N.İ., Abacı, S.H., Bıyık, S., 2020. Forecast for the number of colonies and honey yield in Turkey. Turkish Journal of Agriculture - Food Science and Technology, 8(2): 464-470. (In Turkish).
2. Akdeniz, G., Kantar, A., 2022. Analysis of honey export potential and competitiveness of Türkiye. Bee Studies, 14(2): 55-61.
3. Aksoy, A., Özbek, E., Özdemir, F., 2022. An economic review of migratory beekeeping sector in Turkey. Turkish Journal of Agricultural and Natural Sciences, 9(4): 1051-1061. (In Turkish).
4. Bayir, T., Arslan, E., Inal, S., 2025. Spatial analysis of honey yield by province based on registered honey production data: Exploring spatial patterns. Kocatepe Veterinary Journal, 17(4): 375-385.
5. Cengiz, M.M., Arslan, S., 2023. Physical quality criteria of queen bees reared in Türkiye and their importance for Turkish beekeeping. Uludag Bee Journal, 23(2): 296-306.
6. Çevrimli, M.B., Aral, Y., 2020. Bee products production and trade in beekeeping sector in the world and Turkey. In: Ö. Küplülü (Ed.), Arı Ürünleri, 1st Edition, Ankara: Türkiye Klinikleri, pp. 59-66. (In Turkish).
7. Çevrimli, M.B., Sakarya, E., 2018. Current situation, problems and solutions for beekeeping sector in Turkey. Journal of Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Erciyes University, 15(1): 58-67. (In Turkish).
8. Çukur, T., Çukur, F., 2021. Turkey honey production forecast with Arima model. The Journal of Agricultural Economics Researches, 7(1): 31-39. (In Turkish).

9. Demir, F., Sandalcıoğlu, Z.S., Erkan, C., 2023. Organic beekeeping in Türkiye. Journal of Animal Science and Products, 6(1): 64-71. (In Turkish).
10. Dodoloğlu, A., Erdoğan, Y., 2022. Reasons for low yield in Turkish beekeeping. Arı ve Arıcılık Teknolojileri Dergisi, 1(1): 29-36. (In Turkish).
11. Duru, S., Parlakay, O., 2021. The effect of climate change in Turkey on honey production: ARDL limit testing approach. Mustafa Kemal University Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 26(3): 791-800. (In Turkish).
12. Güler, D., 2021. Determination of beekeeping activity by province in Türkiye using data envelopment analysis. Uludağ Bee Journal, 21(2): 146-156. (In Turkish).
13. Kılıçin, T., Akdeniz, G., Aktürk, S., Kabakcı, D., Karataş, Ü., Çankaya, S., 2021. A research on the breeding activities of organic beekeeping enterprises. Bee Studies, 13(1): 9-16.
14. Koç, H., Ergün, A., Kartal, F., 2020. Problems and solution suggestions of honey producers in Sivas province. Journal of International Social Science Education, 6(2): 327-362. (In Turkish).
15. Koday, Z., Karadağ, H., 2020. Regional distribution of annual beekeeping and honey production in Turkey (2007-2018). Journal of Graduate School of Social Sciences, 24(1): 495-510. (In Turkish).
16. Küçüktekin, M.Ö., Mencet Yelboğa, M.N., 2022. Examining the problem areas of wandering beekeeping activities: A case of Antalya province. Eurasian Journal of Agricultural Economics, 2(2): 1-12. (In Turkish).
17. Sıralı, R., Cınbırtoğlu, Ş., 2022. Risk factors encountered in the sustainability of honeybee races and ecotypes in Türkiye. International Journal of Anatolia Agricultural Engineering Sciences, 4(4): 106-114. (In Turkish).
18. Şahin, A.E., Akdeniz, G., Şahin, P., Alparslan, S., 2021. An online survey to determine breeding activities and main issues in Turkey's beekeeping enterprises. Bee Studies, 13(2): 63-72.
19. Şahinler, N., Toy, N.Ö., 2022. Evaluation of Turkish beekeeping from 2000 years to the present. Turkish Journal of Agriculture - Food Science and Technology, 10 (1): 86-91. (In Turkish).
20. Varalan, A., Çevrimli, M.B., 2023. Investigation of risk factors in the beekeeping sector. Journal of The Turkish Veterinary Medical Society, 94(2): 188-201. (In Turkish).