Most visitors who come to Bergama for the ancient city skip the Kozak Plateau just north of town — yet this is the agricultural region that supplies 70-80% of Turkey's pine nut production. Following the process from pinecone to table turns a Bergama day trip into something with a different kind of stop.
Where Kozak Is, and Why It's Different
Kozak sits north of Bergama on permeable soil formed over granite, gneiss and crystallized schist — one of the widest natural ranges of stone pine in Turkey.
From Pinecone to Table
A committee of officials from the Bergama district office of Turkey's Ministry of Agriculture and the Bergama Chamber of Agriculture regularly inspects the production process for physical and chemical compliance. Collected pinecones are washed, sorted by size, cracked, naturally dried, roasted and packaged. Small roadside stands sell freshly roasted nuts straight from the producers.
Getting There and Practical Notes
Reaching the Kozak villages from İzmir Adnan Menderes Airport is a natural extension of the Izmir Airport to Bergama route — the same private transfer can continue up into the plateau villages.
Who It Suits
Kozak works well for families who enjoy rural scenery, anyone curious about seeing agricultural production up close, and photographers. If you want to visit a processing facility, contact a producer in advance — this isn't a walk-in tourist site. Travellers with limited time who are trying to fit in several ancient cities in one day, or who are focused purely on beach time, will find this slow a stop frustrating; it's not built for rushing.
Shopping in the Pine Nut Villages
In villages like Kozak, Bağyurdu and Ovacık, roadside stalls sell shelled and unshelled pine nuts, pine nut paste and preserves through the autumn months. It's worth checking a few stalls before buying, since prices vary from one producer to the next. Mature pinecones are harvested from November through the following May, so expect to share the narrow roads with tractors and harvesting equipment during that stretch — give them the right of way. If you're flying home with vacuum-packed nuts, check the seal is intact before it goes in your suitcase, especially on longer connecting flights.
Building It Into a Route
The most practical plan pairs a morning at the ancient city of Bergama with an afternoon on the plateau. Travellers who also want to see an olive harvest can continue north to Dikili's Bademli villages — both stops are different pages of the same Aegean farming calendar. Confirm a meeting time with a producer before heading up; it's the surest way not to drive up for nothing.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the pine nut harvest in Kozak?
Mature pinecones are harvested from November through the following May. Expect to share the narrow plateau roads with harvesting equipment during that stretch, and give it the right of way.
How do you get to the Kozak Plateau from İzmir Airport?
A private transfer from İzmir Adnan Menderes Airport using the Bergama route can continue up into the plateau villages. A mid-size vehicle handles the narrow, winding roads more comfortably than a large coach.
How much time should I set aside for a visit to Kozak?
You should set aside at least half a day to wander the villages and eat at a local restaurant. Not rushing the drive back down is part of that time.
Can I pay by card in Kozak?
No, most stallholders don't carry card readers, so you should bring cash.
Can I visit a production facility without an appointment?
No, if you want to visit a processing facility you need to contact a producer in advance. It isn't a walk-in tourist site.
Who is the Kozak Plateau not suited for?
Travellers with limited time who are trying to fit in several ancient cities in one day, or who are focused purely on beach time, will find this slow a stop frustrating. Time moves at its own pace here, and it's not built for rushing.