Mersin, a city located in southern Turkey, hosted the 7th International Citrus Festival for two days on November 2 & 3.
The festival used 100 tons of citrus for decoration. On the coastline, 30 figures were displayed. The citrus theme was also used in a fashion show and a gastro show.
Festival Executive Committee Chairman Abdullah Ozdemir said that citrus, symbol of the city, unites everyone in this festival and continued: "Our festival takes place in an area of 70.000 square meters. The most important point is that we use over 500.000 citrus products, weighing 100 tons, in 30 figures and in the decoration of the festival area. 10,000 man-hours were spent on preparing these figures."
Ozdemir said: "We organize the only festival in Turkey in which the product itself is used for decoration purposes."
Mayor Vahap Secer pointed out that Mersin's total exports amount to 1,8 billion USD (1,6 billion Euro), and citrus exports account for 350 to 400 million USD (313 to 357 million Euro) of this.
Governor Ali Ihsan Su emphasised that citrus is very important for Mersin and that tens of thousands of people make a living it.
"We produce 1,2 million tons of citrus per year. We are responsible of 25% of citrus production in Turkey, and of 37% of citrus exports. Citrus means employment and exports. We organised this festival and invited 700 guests from 25 countries. This also contributes to tourism." said Governor Su.
Source: Hurriyet
