Most Suitable Regions for Greenhouse Investment in Turkey

With its geographical location, climate diversity, and agricultural history, Turkey is one of the countries with the highest potential in the world for modern greenhouse cultivation. However, claiming that "every part of Turkey is suitable for greenhouse cultivation" can be a costly mistake for an investor.

A successful greenhouse investment begins with combining the right technology with the right location. So, which regions stand out in Turkey to obtain the highest yield per unit area and minimize operating costs (especially heating)?

What Are the Criteria for Greenhouse Site Selection?

Before moving on to the regions, it is useful to recall the fundamental factors that make a region "suitable":

Sunlight Duration: It is of vital importance for photosynthesis and natural heating.
Heating Costs: Winter temperature averages and proximity to geothermal energy sources.
Market Access and Logistics: Proximity to both the domestic market and export gateways.

In light of these criteria, let's examine Turkey's prominent greenhouse hubs.

Prominent Regions for Investment and Their Advantages

Although the Mediterranean comes to mind first when greenhouse cultivation is mentioned in Turkey, the map has expanded thanks to developing technologies and geothermal energy.

1. The Mediterranean Region (Antalya, Mersin, Adana)

The heart of greenhouse cultivation in Turkey is indisputably the Mediterranean coastline.

Climate Advantage: High annual sunlight duration and mild winters minimize heating costs compared to other regions. This is a significant advantage, especially for simple and medium-technology greenhouses.
Ecosystem and Logistics: The region, especially Antalya, has an established ecosystem regarding greenhouse suppliers, agricultural engineers, and export logistics. It is easy to market products and find technical support.
Points to Consider: High land prices and the increased need for cooling/shading due to excessive heat in summer months.

2. The Aegean Region (İzmir, Aydın, Denizli, Manisa)

The Aegean region is the new favorite for modern and technological greenhouse investments.

Geothermal Energy Power: Especially the İzmir (Dikili, Bergama), Aydın, and Denizli line possesses one of Europe's richest geothermal resources. Heating with geothermal reduces energy costs by 40-60%, making it competitive with the Mediterranean, which has a mild winter climate advantage.
Export Gateway: Logistical proximity to İzmir ports and the European market is a major advantage.

3. Central Anatolia and Transition Regions (Afyonkarahisar, Eskişehir, Konya)

 Although these regions dominated by a continental climate may seem disadvantaged at first glance, they are rising stars for "technological greenhouse cultivation."

New Generation Geothermal Hubs: Provinces like Afyonkarahisar have become centers of attraction for modern, soilless, and fully automated greenhouses thanks to their geothermal resources. When the heating issue is solved with geothermal, the day-night temperature difference brought by the continental climate (an advantage for some crops) and low humidity rates reduce fungal diseases.
Central Location: They are logistically close to major consumption centers like Ankara and Istanbul.

There is no single "best region" in Turkey; there is the "most suitable region" based on the crop to be grown and the targeted market. Antalya's sun might be the right choice for tomato exports, while Afyon or İzmir's geothermal resources might be right for a modern soilless farming facility. A detailed regional feasibility study must be conducted before investment.