Ateş Alpar / Adana, Yüreğir

Çukurova is in Adana province, which is located in the centre of Turkey. It is known for its intensive agricultural farming, as it has fertile soil that is ideal for farming activity. Seasonal labour migration to the area is significant for this reason. The favourable conditions in Çukurova mean that tomato paste is made in homes traditionally every year.

In addition to tomato paste, other products such as olives and pickles as well as cheese making and yogurts, are traditionally also made in the homes. However, tomato paste production coincides with the peak harvest of red pepper in late summer. Since tomato paste production takes place at home, which is a specific traditional cultural activity of the region which is also highly labour-intensive, it is carried out in a cooperative fashion.

In the Yüreğir district in Adana, Kurdish women work together in harvesting peppers. Consequently, whilst contributing to the domestic economy, these activities also strengthen women’s sense of unity and solidarity.

Red hot peppers specific to Adana are produced in the following manner:

The mother and daughter pick peppers.

They take out the core of the peppers.

Neighbours come to help the family.

Red hot peppers are specific to Adana.

The mother and daughter wash the peppers.

The peppers are rinsed.

They sort the good peppers.

The pepper machine grates the peppers.

The peppers are left on the terrace to dry, checked every day for sweetness.

They are left under the hot sun.