The story of the Finike Orange is a rich tale of resilience and adaptation. Initially, the fertile lands of Finike were used for rice production, but the spread of malaria forced a shift in agriculture. In the 1930s, the Şekerci Family introduced orange trees to the region, transforming the landscape. By the 1950s, the orange industry flourished in Finike, replacing rice paddies with vibrant groves of orange trees.
A significant milestone in its history came in 1994 when a University of California study found that the Finike Orange, specifically from Turunçova town, surpassed California oranges in quality. This global recognition positioned Finike not just as a nostalgic symbol, but as a premier brand in the citrus world.
The tradition of Finike Oranges also touches on a deeper history: in the 19th century, oranges were seen as a source of healing, given to sailors, prisoners, and even mentally ill people for their rich vitamin C and mineral content. Today, the Finike Orange continues to be a symbol of health and quality.