An economic evaluation of plant products in the traditional heritage - A case study from Kenger - Kula, Turkiye

Authors

  • Volkan Altay Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Arts, Hatay Mustafa Kemal University, Hatay, Turkiye
  • Seray Yılmaz Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Arts, Hatay Mustafa Kemal University, Hatay, Turkiye
  • Munir Ozturk Department of Botany and Center for Environmental Studies, Ege University, Izmir, Turkiye

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.53992/njns.v10i4.282

Keywords:

Kula, Turkiye, Traditional Heritage, Different Practices

Abstract

This study aims to document important traditional practices related to the daily livelihoods of local people in the Kenger area, located within the borders of Kula volcanic park, a historical site in Turkiye. The area is also known as “Katakekaumene” or “Burnt Country”, with an area of nearly 300 km2. A total of 13 categories of traditional uses were identified: livestock (33 plants); ornamentals (16); cosmetics (4); paints (1); soap (1); handicrafts (4); jewelry (2); toys (5); beliefs (5); fuel (3); brooms (2); fencing (2) and wood products (2). The most prominent categories were recorded as livestock and ornamentals. The wood carving and wooden handicrafts were noted to have lost popularity but still represent an important part of the traditional heritage, particularly for the elderly. This study was undertaken with the hope that the local knowledge on traditional plant-based uses is transmitted to future generations.

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Published

22-12-2025

How to Cite

Altay, V., Yılmaz, S., & Ozturk, M. (2025). An economic evaluation of plant products in the traditional heritage - A case study from Kenger - Kula, Turkiye. NUST Journal of Natural Sciences, 10(4), 1–8. https://doi.org/10.53992/njns.v10i4.282