Endless Harvest: Taşova's 'Yellow Gold' Binds Community and Economy

In the Taşova district of Amasya, the locally prized flower bamya is more than just a crop; it's the lifeblood of the community, offering a consistent and immediate source of income.

This geographically indicated specialty, often referred to as 'yellow gold' due to its vibrant color and economic value, is harvested daily for about four months. Women in the region meticulously collect the small bamyas, dry them, and then string them onto threads, a process that can extend late into the evening.

"Our elders used to say bamya fell from Hızır's pocket," shared Mezbure Gencel from Alpaslan village, reflecting a local saying that speaks to its abundance. "We pick today, and tomorrow morning more flowers have bloomed. Pick and pick, it never ends." The dried bamya currently fetches around 1,400 Turkish Lira per kilogram, a price that makes it more accessible than gold for immediate needs.

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Our elders used to say bamya fell from Hızır's pocket. We pick today, and tomorrow morning more flowers have bloomed. Pick and pick, it never ends.

This reliable income allows families to manage their expenses, with women like Gül Eser, a mother of four, highlighting how bamya sales fund their children's education. The region anticipates a production of approximately 2,500 tons this year, underscoring the crop's significant economic impact.

The process involves careful collection and preparation, with neighbors often helping each other string the bamyas for drying. This communal effort, combined with the crop's consistent demand, ensures that the 'yellow gold' of Taşova continues to flow, providing economic stability and supporting the livelihoods of its people.

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Its flower's color is yellow, so they compare it to a quarter gold coin. Bamya is always cash. We sell it and meet our needs.