45 producers from 12 rural neighborhoods, 50 varieties of jam

Bornova Municipality, in collaboration with the Izmir Branch of the Chamber of Food Engineers, will organize Turkey’s first-ever Jam Festival on September 13 in Yaka Neighborhood. Forty-five producers from 12 rural neighborhoods will take part in the festival with jams made from 50 different products. The festival will also feature workshops, competitions, and special activities for children. Mayor Ömer Eşki emphasized that the event is a solidarity gathering that supports producers and women’s labor.

Bornova Municipality is adding a new initiative to its efforts to support rural development and women’s labor. From seeds to seedlings, fertilizer to straw, consultancy services to training, the municipality has stood by producers, while also creating urban gardens for women. Now, it is hosting Turkey’s very first Jam Festival.

A Sweet Gathering in Yaka

Organized by the Bornova Municipality Agricultural Services Directorate in cooperation with the Izmir Branch of the Chamber of Food Engineers, the festival will take place on September 13 at the picnic area in Yaka Neighborhood.

At the festival, 45 producers from 12 rural neighborhoods will showcase jams prepared from pumpkins, strawberries, pears, figs, beans, tomatoes, and many other products harvested from their own gardens—50 varieties in total.

Three Workshops and a Contest

One of the most exciting moments of the festival will be the “Best Jam Contest”, where producers will compete with their own jams. Visitors will also have the chance to participate in three different workshops: Jam Making, Jam Tasting, and Blind Jam Tasting.

Fun Activities for Children

The festival will not only be for producers and adults but will also offer special activities for children. With fun workshops, games, and surprise events, young participants will enjoy an unforgettable day.

“We Will Continue to Support Women’s Labor”

After visiting the festival area, Bornova Mayor Ömer Eşki stressed that the Jam Festival is not just a sweet gathering but also a platform of solidarity that supports local producers and women’s labor.
“Bornova’s rural neighborhoods, with their fertile lands, and our women producers, with their hard work, create immense wealth. We are proud to stand by them and to add value to what they produce. Hosting Turkey’s first Jam Festival in Bornova is a great honor. This festival is not only about jam—it is a festival of solidarity, labor, and production,” said Mayor Eşki.