Export of ‘Olive Branch’ to the Balkans have begun.

The natural stone, which was discovered in Bayburt during the Olive Branch Operation and takes its name from it, is attracting significant attention abroad, particularly in the Balkan countries.

A new variety of Bayburt stone, which is easy to process due to its soft structure and is suitable for sound and heat insulation, has been discovered. The natural stone named ‘Zeytin Dalı’ (Olive Branch), which draws attention with its durability and color in addition to the standard features of Bayburt stone, has received demand from the Balkan countries.

Alaattin Koral, a businessman from Bayburt and the owner of Koral Madencilik operating in the natural stone sector, stated that there was intense demand upon sending the first samples of the Olive Branch stone, saying: “We started extracting this stone while the Olive Branch Operation was ongoing. Now, Olive Branch has become a highly sought-after stone abroad, especially in the Balkans. Following this demand, we are extracting this stone at the quarry. This stone is a national treasure of Bayburt. It has been one of the best stones we have extracted in Bayburt and Turkey so far. There are no issues with exporting or marketing it abroad. I want to start exporting this stone by working more comprehensively as soon as possible.”

“Croatians requested 1,500 blocks“ Marketer Hasan İslam expressed that the Croatians liked the stone very much, stating: “We brought samples of this stone. The Croatians really liked it. They said they wanted to market it to European Union countries themselves. They want this stone from us in block form. Currently, they have a demand for around 1,000 to 1,500 blocks. Our stone was cut and shaped here at the Bayburt Natural Stone Factory and arrived ready. They are committing to purchasing around 300-400 blocks from us within 6 months. They are also committing to 1,000 blocks for next year.”

Adding that Olive Branch is a high-quality stone, İslam continued as follows: “There is a lot of demand for this stone from the Balkans. Because the quality and durability of the stone are exceptional. Its colors are black and beige. In other words, it is a beautiful marble, a solid marble, an unbreakable marble. Since there is a high demand for stones with these characteristics, I believe there will also be a demand for this stone from across the ocean, from America. We have successfully managed to market this right now. May it be beneficial for our country.