Grand Festival on September 6 in Yakaköy

“The Journey of Jam” Discussed in a Live Broadcast

Bornova Municipality is organizing a major “Jam Festival” on Sunday, September 6, 2026, at 12:00 PM at Yakaköy Village Square to support local production and women’s labor. Speaking on a live program broadcast on the municipality’s YouTube channel ahead of the festival, Bornova Mayor Ömer Eşki emphasized that they always stand by women producers and invited everyone from İzmir to join this sweet celebration. The festival will feature a competition for the most delicious jam, workshops, concerts, and fun activities for children. Free shuttle services will also operate from various points across the city.

The special program “The Journey of Jam,” broadcast live on Bornova Municipality’s YouTube channel and moderated by İ. Uğur Toprak, President of the İzmir Branch of the Chamber of Food Engineers of the Union of Chambers of Turkish Engineers and Architects (TMMOB), focused on the stages of traditional jam production and its relationship with health. The program was broadcast from producer Esra Türkön’s home garden, where Aynur Akarsu prepared traditional jam live. Citizens were also invited to the Jam Festival during the program.

“Women’s Labor and Local Production Are Our Priorities in Bornova”

Speaking during the live broadcast, Bornova Mayor Ömer Eşki emphasized that local development is directly linked to women’s economic independence. Mayor Eşki said:

“We will always stand by the women producers in Bornova’s villages and neighborhoods who cultivate the abundance of the soil and carry our traditional flavors into the future. Increasing local production in Bornova and ensuring that women’s labor receives the recognition it deserves is our greatest priority. The Jam Festival we will organize in Yakaköy on September 6 will not simply be a festival; it will be a celebration of labor, natural production, and solidarity. I invite all our fellow citizens to join this sweet celebration.”

Experts Discussed the Journey of Jam and Its Health Benefits

The expert guests who joined the live broadcast shared their views on a wide range of topics, from clean production to nutrition.

Dr. Hakan Çakıcı, President of the İzmir Branch of the Chamber of Agricultural Engineers of TMMOB, said, “A reliable product begins with clean agricultural production in the field. Carefully processing fruits grown through proper agricultural practices is the most important step in the healthy journey of jam.”

Dietitian Dicle Dilan Salman stated that when properly portioned and made from natural fruits using traditional methods, jam can be an enjoyable source of energy as part of a balanced diet.

Jam producer Esra Türkön said, “We continue the traditional jam-making practices we learned from our grandmothers, blending them with the story of each fruit. For us, this journey from our garden to the table is a source of pride.”

Colorful Festival and Free Shuttle Services in Yakaköy

The Jam Festival, to be held at Yakaköy Village Square on September 6, will feature the Most Delicious Jam Competition, Jam-Making Workshop, DJ Olcay Fidan’s performance, and a live performance by Mikrop, a beloved television personality. Children will also enjoy free face painting, balloon animals, inflatable play areas, popcorn, and cotton candy.

Bornova Municipality has arranged free shuttle routes from various points across the city for citizens wishing to attend the festival:

• Departure Points: Bornova Metro İzbaş Parking Lot, in front of the Bornova District Governor’s Office in Bornova Square, Altındağ Jewish Cemetery, Yeşilova Final Stop, in front of Çamdibi Atatürk Park Kent Lokantası, and in front of Pınarbaşı Çamlık Park.
• Departure Times: 12:00 – 13:00 – 14:00 – 15:00
• Return Times: 16:00 – 17:00 – 18:00 – 19:00