The centuries-old production culture and traditions of Karabağlar Plateau were kept alive through the traditional Plateau Melon Competition held within the scope of the 33rd International Muğla Culture and Art Festival. Hosted at Narlı Kahvesi, the competition evaluated the melons cultivated by twenty producers. The festival kicked off in the morning hours with a nature walk spanning approximately three kilometers. Following the trek through the natural texture of Karabağlar, participants gathered at Narlı Kahvesi to witness the plateau's traditional lifestyle culture. Despite rainy weather, the event drew strong participation featuring musical performances by artist Hamdi Demirtaş and his orchestra, alongside drum-zurna performances, folk dances, and zeybek shows. Guests were also treated to local keşkek and plateau melon.
In the competitive segment, twenty local producers entered their melons for evaluation by the judging panel. Following the assessment, Mehmet Dural claimed first place, Hüseyin Tezcan secured second, Muttalip Dural took third, İlyas Çulhaoğlu finished fourth, and Halise Dural placed fifth. Winning producers were presented with agricultural equipment as gifts, while the first-place winner Mehmet Dural was additionally awarded gold. The evaluation committee comprised Agricultural Engineer Alptekin Gökal, Food Engineer Derya Kömürcü, Agricultural Engineer Gözdenur Gökal, Karabağlar Development and Beautification Association Representative Şenay Oskay, Chamber of Agriculture Delegate Mehmet Ersen, and Local Seed Association President Mehmet Bal.
During the speeches, Karabağlar Development and Beautification Association President Mehmet Üzümlüoğlu emphasized the necessity of preserving the natural and cultural fabric of the plateau. Highlighting the unique lifestyle culture of the area, Üzümlüoğlu urged participants to protect the region and respect its natural identity. Menteşe Mayor Gonca Köksal Aras stated that Karabağlar Plateau stands out as one of the most special areas of Muğla's cultural and natural heritage, noting that the primary goal of the festival is transferring past values to future generations. Remindful of Evliya Çelebi's historical admiration for Karabağlar, Aras thanked all producers and jury members who contributed to the successful staging of the event.
Menteşe Belediyesi
