Ankara to host country's first shepherds' fair


Turkey is hosting the very first national fair for shepherds and breeders under the sponsorship of Ankara Metropolitan Municipality's Department of Rural Services and Geothermal Sources. Set to take place May 18-21 at Ankara's Atatürk Cultural Center, the Anatolia Breeders', Livestock and Shepherds' Fair aims to bring shepherds from Ankara and eastern Anatolia together to raise awareness of the importance of shepherding, especially in agriculture and livestock breeding. The fair will also welcome livestock breeders and agricultural producers.

Head of the Department of Rural Services and Geothermal Sources Özgür Güven said that herdsmen, breeders and producers make the largest contributions to Turkey's economy, noting: "Many fairs on agriculture and animal breeding have been organized in Turkey so far; however, we are about to organize the first fair featuring shepherds. As the main sponsor of the fair, we are the biggest supporter of its cause. With this fair, people will be able to see how hard it is to produce meat and milk, and become aware of the importance of both producers and breeders."

The Anatolia Breeders', Livestock and Shepherds' Fair also promises to surprise its guests with various concepts. The fair venue, which will focus on farmers, breeders and shepherds, will also host sheep and goats from all over Turkey. Güven said: "We will erect a huge farm in the heart of Ankara," continuing to say: "The fair will feature shepherds who breed livestock, milk cows and make the high-quality meat we consume daily. Lambs from the highlands will come down to the center of the city - we will bring sheep from all over Turkey to Ankara."