Bilecik Lefke Bezi and Bilecik Bıldırcın Kebabı Receive Geographical Indication Registration
With the registration of Bilecik Lefke Bezi and Bilecik Bıldırcın Kebabı as Geographical Indications (GI), the total number of GI-certified products in Bilecik has increased to nine. These new registrations mark a significant step toward preserving the region’s rich gastronomic and cultural heritage while boosting its economic value. At a ceremony held at the Bilecik Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the President of the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office (TÜRKPATENT), Prof. Dr. M. Zeki Durak, officially presented the Geographical Indication certificates for the two products.
Launched in early 2024 under the coordination of the Bilecik Governorship and BEBKA, a comprehensive research effort was conducted in collaboration with local producers. Hosted by the Bilecik Chamber of Commerce and Industry and supported by academics from Bilecik Şeyh Edebali University, the initiative resulted in the submission of GI applications for 25 new products. As a result, Bilecik became the second-highest province in Türkiye in terms of GI applications submitted to TÜRKPATENT in 2024. Bilecik Bıldırcın Kebabı became the first product to be registered through this process, while Lefke Bezi, previously submitted by the Osmaneli Municipality, was also officially certified.
This effort, carried out in line with BEBKA’s regional development strategies, aims to increase the market value of local products, thereby strengthening both the economic capacity and recognition of the region. Of the 24 products currently under evaluation at TÜRKPATENT, six have reached the announcement phase, and follow-up procedures continue for the remaining applications. If all applications are approved, Bilecik is expected to reach a total of 33 registered GI products.
BEBKA’s Role in the Geographical Indication Process
Following the ceremony, Prof. Dr. M. Zeki Durak visited BEBKA’s Bilecik Investment Support Office and met with Acting Secretary General Mr. Sabri Bayram and team members. The meeting focused on BEBKA’s pivotal coordination role in the GI registration process and its broader contribution to regional development. Productive discussions were also held on Bilecik’s potential in industrial property, commercialization strategies for patents, and increasing the economic value of GI-certified products.
During his visit, Prof. Dr. Durak also met with Mr. Hamdi İğdeci, Bilecik Provincial Director of Industry and Technology, and Mr. Mehmet Ergün, President of the Bilecik Chamber of Commerce and Industry. He then attended a program at Bilecik Şeyh Edebali University and visited pottery producers in the Pazaryeri district who have applied for GI certification. There, he also had the opportunity to taste Pazaryeri Boza, which is currently in the registration process.
As BEBKA, we will continue to play an active role in the GI certification processes that add value to local products and enhance their competitiveness in national and international markets. We believe that this process will create new opportunities for all local producers in Bilecik and the surrounding region.
