Istanbul retiree finds peace in village life through beekeeping

After nearly 35 years behind the wheel in Istanbul, 67-year-old Ismail Çınar returned to the village where he was born and found a new rhythm among bees.

Çınar left Kula village in Kırklareli during his youth and moved to Istanbul to live with his sister. He worked in various jobs before spending most of his career as a driver. Following retirement, he returned in 2022, looking for a quieter life and a productive way to spend his time.

He started with four beehives. Over time, he expanded the operation to 30 hives and began supporting himself by producing organic honey. Caring for the bees, he said, made village life enjoyable and brought a calm he had not found in the metropolis.

“After years in the metropolis, I became tired, I find peace while spending time with my bees. It is something that cannot really be described, a different feeling. You do not realize how time passes. When there is honey, you find another kind of peace,” Çınar said.

He described the village as a beautiful place, said he wished he had returned sooner and expressed a desire to increase the number of hives further. He also encouraged people with the opportunity to move to their villages and experience rural life.

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After years in the metropolis, I became tired, I find peace while spending time with my bees. It is something that cannot really be described, a different feeling. You do not realize how time passes. When there is honey, you find another kind of peace.