The Historical Development of Sugar Production in Turkey

The history of sugar production in Türkiye dates back to the Ottoman period and evolved into a modern industry following the proclamation of the Republic. Below is an overview of the historical development of sugar production in Türkiye by periods:

Ottoman Period

16th Century: Sugar began to be used in the Ottoman Empire starting from the 16th century. Production was initially limited but took place mainly in regions such as Egypt, Syria, Cyprus, and Lebanon, using sugarcane as the main source.
17th and 18th Centuries: Sugar became widely consumed both in the palace kitchens and among the public. However, since production did not spread throughout the empire, imports played a significant role. Sugar imported from Egypt, in particular, was in high demand in the domestic market.
19th Century: During this century, no modern sugar factories were established in the Ottoman Empire, although developments in Europe were closely followed. Sugar production continued through traditional methods in small local production centers known as “şekerhane” (sugar houses).

Republican Period

1920s: After the proclamation of the Republic, sugar beet cultivation was encouraged to meet the country’s sugar needs with domestic resources. The decisions made at the İzmir Economic Congress in 1923 made the sugar industry a strategic priority. In 1926, the Alpullu (Kırklareli) and Uşak Sugar Factories were established, marking the beginning of modern sugar production in Türkiye.
1930s: Sugar beet production increased rapidly, and new factories were opened in Eskişehir (1933) and Turhal–Tokat (1934). Thus, within the first decade of the Republic, four major sugar factories began operating, transforming Türkiye into a self-sufficient sugar-producing nation.

1950s and 1960s

1950s: As part of agricultural policies, sugar beet cultivation was expanded with government support, and new factories were established in regions such as Konya and Kayseri.
1960s: Türkiye’s sugar production capacity increased rapidly. Although experiments were conducted with sugarcane cultivation, sugar beet remained the country’s primary raw material.

1980s and 1990s

1980s: Policies of privatization and restructuring were introduced to reduce the state’s dominance in industry. The management structures of sugar factories were reorganized, and the sector transitioned toward an efficiency-based model.
1990s: As Türkiye moved toward a free-market economy, the sugar sector began adapting to this model. However, privatization efforts remained limited, and major changes occurred in the 2000s.

2000s and Beyond

2000s: The Turkish sugar industry underwent major transformation through technological modernization and new legal frameworks. With the introduction of the Sugar Law in 2001, production quotas were defined, and competition within the sector was regulated.
Recent Years: Türkiye continues to maintain strong production capacity in sugar derived from sugar beet. Factories are being modernized, efficiency is increasing, and sustainable agricultural practices are being expanded.

Sugar Production in Türkiye Today

Today, Türkiye holds an important position among countries that produce sugar from sugar beet.
Sugar factories operating across the nation not only meet domestic demand but also create export potential.

The history of sugar production in Türkiye has been shaped by policies supporting domestic agriculture and national industrialization. Founded in the early years of the Republic, the sector remains one of the strategic pillars of the Turkish economy today.