Medicinal and Aromatic Valley Complex to Be Established with Şanlıurfa Metropolitan Municipality

Harran University and Şanlıurfa Metropolitan Municipality Partner on Medicinal Aromatic Valley Project at Şair Nabi Campus An agreement has been reached between Harran University and Şanlıurfa Metropolitan Municipality to establish a Medicinal Aromatic Valley complex on approximately 150,000 square metres at the university's Şair Nabi Campus. The project presentation was conducted by Prof. Dr. Mehmet Hançer, Vice Rector responsible for Research and Development, in the presence of the metropolitan mayor, relevant department heads, the rector, vice rectors and the university's general secretary. Prof. Dr. Mehmet Hançer, Vice Rector, stated that approximately 100,000 square metres will be dedicated to the cultivation of perennial lavender and thyme as well as annual black cumin. He further noted that this area could also serve as a training ground for farmers seeking to evaluate different crop patterns, such as medicinal aromatic plants, as alternatives to crops currently cultivated in the region. Vice Rector Hançer indicated that the remaining approximately 50,000 square metres will accommodate an essential oil extraction facility, as well as retail areas for organic farm products and medicinal aromatic products manufactured in the valley, interactive agricultural production play areas for children, medicinal aromatic plant botanical gardens, restaurants, cafeterias and other social amenities. Rector Prof. Dr. Mehmet Sabri Çelik stated that, with the support of Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Zeynel Abidin Beyazgül, they hope the project will be completed in a short timeframe, and that it will generate local, regional, national and international social and economic impacts. Noting that these impacts will be felt primarily in Şanlıurfa in the near term, Rector Çelik remarked that the facility will also serve as an attraction for foreign visitors to Göbekli Tepe. Rector Çelik noted that the essential oils obtained from the Oil Facility, when highly purified to yield chemicals, will become the subject of scientific research developed by Harran University researchers in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and nutritional supplements, and that the investment will contribute significantly to the development of the region and the university in this regard. Şanlıurfa Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Zeynel Abidin Beyazgül emphasised the importance of the project for regional development and stated that the Metropolitan Municipality wished to be a partner in this project with great enthusiasm by mobilising all its resources. Mayor Beyazgül indicated that the Metropolitan Municipality and the University will establish joint working groups to enable the project to commence in the near future. Source