People have been benefitting from Elmalı’s nature and biodiversity for hundreds of years to sustain their daily lives. Traditional beehives stand as significant examples of correlation between nature and human activities.

Different from regular beehives, traditional beehives in Elmalı stand up as unique monuments. The beehives made of juniper tree are set on top of a wooden mat and covered with juniper bark as a protection layer and they are placed on 3.5m high towers so that they will also be protected from wild animals. Similar to traditional granaries, scholars draw attention to the resemblance between traditional beehives and ancient Lycian monuments, pilar tombs. Due to this fact, traditional beehives also constitute a significant example for cultural interaction and inheritance.

However, due to the climate change, these traditional beehives lost their function and left abandoned. In connection with this, the practice of beekeeping has changed and beekeepers started using portable beehives. It is significant to emphasize  that not only the tangible heritage faces a risk of loss but the practice traditional beekeeping together with the practice and knowledge of unique construction practices.

This video comprises parts from the interviews conducted with local beekeepers in Elmalı as part of KIRKAMBAR project fieldwork.

Presented at ICCROM climate.culture.peace Conference 2022