Birecik Eggplant

Birecik Eggplant is a variety of eggplant grown primarily in the agricultural lands along the Euphrates River in the Birecik district of Şanlıurfa, distinguished from other native eggplant varieties in Türkiye by its morphological and taste characteristics. It has whitish flesh, very few seeds, and soft pulp.

Birecik Eggplant belongs to the group of unprocessed or processed fruits and vegetables and mushrooms. It is intensively produced, especially in agricultural lands along the Euphrates River, beginning with Mezra Village, and constitutes an important source of income for the local population.

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Birecik Eggplant has become a homogeneous village variety. Due to its soft flesh, it is particularly preferred for eggplant kebab and other eggplant-based dishes.

• Plant Characteristics: Anthocyanin pigmentation in seedlings is very slight or absent. Mature plants are upright and tall, reaching a height of 110–140 cm. Stems and branches are slightly hairy with anthocyanin pigmentation. Internode length ranges from 7 to 10 cm. Leaves are long (25–30 cm), with wavy margins, no blistering or spines on the surface, and are green in color. Flowers are medium-sized and purple.
• Fruit Characteristics: Fruits are generally cylindrical, measuring 25–30 cm in length and 5–6 cm in diameter. Curvature is either absent or very slight. The fruit skin is smooth, with medium gloss and medium purple color at commercial harvest. There is no veining or stigma scar. The fruit apex is pointed. Anthocyanin pigmentation under the calyx is either absent or very slight. The calyx is large and slightly spiny. Fruit flesh is whitish with very few seeds. During physiological ripening, that is, during fruit set, the fruit skin turns yellow.

1. Seedling Production: Eggplant seeds are sown by broadcasting at a rate of 3–5 grams per square meter on raised beds prepared under heated low tunnels during January–February. Seedlings are cultivated until they reach the 4–5 leaf stage for transplanting, with regular irrigation, weeding, fertilization, and, if necessary, pesticide application.
2. Transplanting and Crop Cultivation: Seedlings developed in the beds and ready for transplanting are planted in prepared fields during the first week of April or May, with a spacing of 40–50 cm between plants and 80 cm between rows. The first weeding is applied when plants reach 20 cm in height or have 6–8 leaves. Regular irrigation is carried out weekly in a furrow irrigation system after transplanting. Fertilization begins with the first irrigation, and nutrient applications are adjusted according to microelement requirements.
3. Harvest: The first harvest begins on 25 July and is repeated every 7–10 days depending on climate and crop condition. Thanks to favorable climatic conditions, harvesting continues until the end of October. Total yield reaches 4–6 tons per hectare.
4. Pest and Disease Control: Pest and disease control measures are implemented at the minimum necessary level under the supervision of technical personnel, in accordance with the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Livestock’s agricultural pest management technical guidelines.

Although the registration certificate for Birecik Eggplant does not list the applicant’s details, the application was submitted on 21 February 2014 under reference number C2014/008. The product was officially registered on 19 June 2017. Pursuant to Temporary Article 1 of Law No. 6769 on Industrial Property, it has been protected since 21 February 2014 under the former Decree-Law No. 555 on the Protection of Geographical Indications.

Monitoring activities are conducted by a supervisory board composed of one expert from the Birecik Directorate of Food, Agriculture and Livestock, one expert from the Faculty of Agriculture at Harran University, one expert from the District Health Group Presidency, one expert from the Birecik Chamber of Agriculture, one expert from the Birecik Market Commission, and two producers.