Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
7 Oct 2025
Reply rate
100.0 %
Usually responds within 1 day
Feedback
71
Email verified
Badges (3)
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Details
Description
Our main farm is situated one-hour inland from Izmir, 5 km away from the nearest town, Turgutlu (aka Kasaba). We used to breed sheep there, which is no longer the case. We have now around 200 olive and various fruit trees in two separate fields. Our main produce has become high quality olive oil. Olives are harvested by hand for several weeks. In the winter and early spring, we prune our trees and prepare the fields for the next season. We do not use any chemicals and follow a minimal tillage system relying on rainwater and sheep manure as fertilizer only.
The area is under constant change due to industrial growth so volunteers should be comfortable with the mixed urban-rural setting. There is still plenty of family-based agricultural activity around. We drive to our farm daily and prefer to sleep in town, a typical inner Aegean economic center with all its buzz and local characteristics.
A certain level of maintenance is always required to keep the buildings intact. I can also use help with painting, small construction and restoration projects, cleaning and landscaping.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Farmstay help
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Interests
Beach
Yoga / Wellness
Water sports
Movies & TV
Hitchhiking
Languages
Gardening
Cooking & food
Books
History
DIY & crafts
Music
Politics / Social justice
Events & social
Culture
Sustainability
Farming
Vegetarian or vegan
Mountain
Outdoor activities
Hiking
Nature
Camping
Cycling
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Our concept revolves around olive farm experience, communal living, travel stories and exposure to local history and culture. The most unique aspect will be to see the relatively simple and laid-back Aegean lifestyle in a traditional but also dynamic location away from mass tourism and bigger cities. You will most likely be the only foreigners around and experience the customary hospitality. There are still some less-known history and nature sites like Sardis (capital of Lydia), the ancient Mount Sipylus, Lydian Royal tombs of Bintepe worth visiting. You can always reach other well-known tourist hubs like Ephesus, Pergamon or Pamukkale, just a few hours away by bus. It is possible to go cycling or hiking around the local hills and villages. There is a decent local winemaker not far from our location open to visitors. We have various foreign language books you can choose from. There is a projector for watching films at night. Backgammon, puzzles and card games are also quite popular.
Help
You will be helping with seasonal farm tasks, harvesting, gardening, digging, lifting, cooking, cleaning, DIY projects etc. Most of our activities are quite physical so be prepared. Any special artistic or technical skills offered by volunteers are also appreciated. People with disabilities are always welcome. This is a communal project and always open to new ideas.
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Turkish: Fluent
German: Intermediate
Spanish: Beginner
French: Beginner
Dutch: BeginnerThis host offers a language exchange
This host has indicated that they are interested in sharing their own language or learning a new language.
You can contact them directly for more information.
Accommodation
You will get a private room in Turgutlu where we own an apartment building. The apartments are basic but adequate for most seasons. We tend to cook local and international vegetarian dishes together while offering some flexibility for non-vegetarians and others with dietary restrictions. Volunteers can also visit various cafes and restaurants around to try other local dishes. There is no broadband connection in the building but a mobile hotspot can be provided for limited use. It is recommended to get your own sim card if you need constant connection.
What else ...
Izmir is a large metropolitan city for all shopping, entertainment and transportation options, accessible by regular bus service. Manisa is the more conservative provincial capital, also accessible by regular minibus service. Bicycle travelers and nomads also visit us via other online platforms.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Space for parking camper vans
This host can provide space for campervans.
Can possibly accept pets
This host has said they are willing to accept those travelling with a pet.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
My animals / pets
Host ref number: 358396627358
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
+27
Feedback (35)
4 May 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (joaovzd)
Joao is one of those reliable and dedicated volunteers who is ready to go the extra mile. We worked together side by side accomplishing several seasonal tasks on and off the fields. His help was crucial and essential, especially as part of a fence construction against intrusive birds. He is capable of coming up with some good creative ideas when… read more
(Excellent
)
2 May 2025
Left by Workawayer (joaovzd) for host
I stayed over with Soykan for one week and a half. We started with a DIY project at his place and some cleaning. Then we worked at the olive trees field, cutting weeds and clearing the ground around them.
I had a great time getting to know Soykan and his family, as well as going out grocery shopping at the local markets, walking around the town,… read more
I had a great time getting to know Soykan and his family, as well as going out grocery shopping at the local markets, walking around the town,… read more
15 Feb 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Eva)
Eva happily joined us from Izmir for several days to help with various tasks at the farm as we were a small team and needed an extra pair of hands. Those hands were indeed very skillful, both in pruning our trees and playing fun games in the evenings :). She is very positive, well-rounded and easy going, we instantly became friends and enjoyed her… read more
(Excellent
)
15 Jan 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Antoine & Coline)
Antoine & Coline were with us for about a week which turned out to be quite productive and fun for all. They are an energetic and enthusiastic couple who jumped at the work straight away for the last days of the olive harvest. We then took a stab at digging out and replanting several young olive trees that needed a better location. This was quite… read more
(Excellent
)
14 Jan 2025
Left by Workawayer (Antoine & Coline) for host
it's hard to add something new with all the good comments which appear on soy kan's profile.
First of all, but very important, he fully deserves these good comments! I think if it's 6 stars rate existed he will have it each time.
It's really the perfect workaway on all aspects. Soy can, a world citizen, is very helpful with everything and… read more
First of all, but very important, he fully deserves these good comments! I think if it's 6 stars rate existed he will have it each time.
It's really the perfect workaway on all aspects. Soy can, a world citizen, is very helpful with everything and… read more
Photos
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
+27
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)
Cultural exchange:
(5.0)
Communication:
(5.0)
4 May 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (joaovzd)
Joao is one of those reliable and dedicated volunteers who is ready to go the extra mile. We worked together side by side accomplishing several seasonal tasks on and off the fields. His help was crucial and essential, especially as part of a fence construction against intrusive birds. He is capable of coming up with some good creative ideas when… read more
(Excellent)
2 May 2025
Left by Workawayer (joaovzd) for host
I stayed over with Soykan for one week and a half. We started with a DIY project at his place and some cleaning. Then we worked at the olive trees field, cutting weeds and clearing the ground around them.
I had a great time getting to know Soykan and his family, as well as going out grocery shopping at the local markets, walking around the town,… read more
I had a great time getting to know Soykan and his family, as well as going out grocery shopping at the local markets, walking around the town,… read more
15 Feb 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Eva)
Eva happily joined us from Izmir for several days to help with various tasks at the farm as we were a small team and needed an extra pair of hands. Those hands were indeed very skillful, both in pruning our trees and playing fun games in the evenings :). She is very positive, well-rounded and easy going, we instantly became friends and enjoyed her… read more
(Excellent)
15 Jan 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Antoine & Coline)
Antoine & Coline were with us for about a week which turned out to be quite productive and fun for all. They are an energetic and enthusiastic couple who jumped at the work straight away for the last days of the olive harvest. We then took a stab at digging out and replanting several young olive trees that needed a better location. This was quite… read more
(Excellent)
14 Jan 2025
Left by Workawayer (Antoine & Coline) for host
it's hard to add something new with all the good comments which appear on soy kan's profile.
First of all, but very important, he fully deserves these good comments! I think if it's 6 stars rate existed he will have it each time.
It's really the perfect workaway on all aspects. Soy can, a world citizen, is very helpful with everything and… read more
First of all, but very important, he fully deserves these good comments! I think if it's 6 stars rate existed he will have it each time.
It's really the perfect workaway on all aspects. Soy can, a world citizen, is very helpful with everything and… read more
6 Jan 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Marc)
Marc joined us at the end of our harvest for a week and he proved to be a reliable, hard-working and collaborative team member. He participated in all group activities including cooking, cleaning and particularly card games where he excelled :) We moved some trees together by digging, carrying and replanting - we were happy to get to know this… read more
(Excellent)
3 Jan 2025
Left by Workawayer (Marc) for host
I spent one excellent week at Soykan's place. Coming in Turkey, I first thought doing only one workaway but lastly, I came to Soykan's farm and I really liked it.
I learnt about olive harvesting which is a relaxing and absorbing activity where you don't see the time passing. It was also my first time savouring very fresh good olives and having… read more
I learnt about olive harvesting which is a relaxing and absorbing activity where you don't see the time passing. It was also my first time savouring very fresh good olives and having… read more
24 Dec 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Lea & Piotr)
Lea and Piotr (aka Kwiatek) are guaranteed to change the atmosphere of any place they enter with their larger than life personalities and positive vibes. While Lea has a calm soothing nature full of wisdom and consistency, Kwiatek is the soul of the party with his high energy and creativity. They make a great team together. They helped valiantly… read more
(Excellent)
21 Dec 2024
Left by Workawayer (Lea & Piotr) for host
We spent one month with Soykan and since the very first moment that we met in front of his house, where he awaited us, till the heartbreaking moment of goodbye, it was natural, warm and sincere to be together. He's most welcoming, friendly and helpful a host but also a super interesting man with millions of stories from his extraordinary life, it… read more
18 Dec 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Laura)
It was towards the end of this year's harvest when we heard from Laura and what a nice surprise it was when she joined us. She came directly from Ireland just to be at our project which was exceptional. It took her no time to hit the ground and she was a hard worker straight away as part of the core team. She did not require much guidance, led… read more
(Excellent)
18 Dec 2024
Left by Workawayer (Laura) for host
Harvesting olives and farming was my first project as Workawayer and so far it fullfilled all my expectation and more.
First off all, the host Soykan has plenty of experience travelling around the world which makes easy the communication and understanding with workawayers. Secondly, this was a true experience of living in a community where… read more
First off all, the host Soykan has plenty of experience travelling around the world which makes easy the communication and understanding with workawayers. Secondly, this was a true experience of living in a community where… read more
12 Dec 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Avril)
It was a memorable week with Avril and she was more than helpful at various tasks we had. We picked some figs together and prepared some jam afterwards. She also helped with gardening and weeding at our fields. We did also complete a few small DIY tasks together. Everything worked out flawlessly.
She is very easy to get along with, warm and… read more
She is very easy to get along with, warm and… read more
(Excellent)
10 Oct 2024
Left by Workawayer (Avril) for host
I had a very memorable week staying with Soykan in Turgutlu.
It was pre olive harvest so our tasks were varied (fig harvesting, trimming trees, jam making, cleaning tasks etc). Soykan was always very kind and reasonable with the time we spent working. We worked together to complete all the tasks something I thoroughly enjoyed as he has a lot of… read more
It was pre olive harvest so our tasks were varied (fig harvesting, trimming trees, jam making, cleaning tasks etc). Soykan was always very kind and reasonable with the time we spent working. We worked together to complete all the tasks something I thoroughly enjoyed as he has a lot of… read more
24 Nov 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (HibaBA)
Hiba was one of the first volunteers of this harvest season and she made a big impact on the work and other volunteers with her presence and open-minded attitude. She was collaborative and engaging on and off the field, always willing to participate in our way of living as an ad hoc family. She was an excellent ambassador for her country, now a… read more
(Excellent)
23 Nov 2024
Left by Workawayer (HibaBA) for host
I stayed at Soykan's olive farm for two weeks and had a great time.
I learned about olive harvesting while chatting and listening to music. The work hours were fair.
The house was in a good location so I enjoyed visting the town in the evenings.
I met amazing people, enjoyed tasty food, and heard inspiring stories.
Thank you Soykan for… read more
I learned about olive harvesting while chatting and listening to music. The work hours were fair.
The house was in a good location so I enjoyed visting the town in the evenings.
I met amazing people, enjoyed tasty food, and heard inspiring stories.
Thank you Soykan for… read more
9 Apr 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Mackenzie)
Mackenzie is an amicable and radiant person with a good aura and calm nature. We worked several days during harvest and she was an excellent yoga teacher as well. It was very interesting to hear some of her stories from India and other parts of the world. She has a multitude of interests and connections which she likes to foster and share. Overall… read more
(Excellent)
21 Nov 2023
Left by Workawayer (Mackenzie) for host
Soykan is a very magnanimous person and has such a lovely spirit!! If you've ever seen Big Lebowski, he channels "Dude" energy very strongly hahaa.
It was my first time olive picking and I found it to be incredibly relaxing. What's more, olive harvest comes at the perfect time of the year, when it's not too hot or too cold. Dear teyze, or… read more
It was my first time olive picking and I found it to be incredibly relaxing. What's more, olive harvest comes at the perfect time of the year, when it's not too hot or too cold. Dear teyze, or… read more
9 Nov 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Erik)
Erik and Lea arrived just in time for our olive harvest. We managed to do a good chunk together in a week, thanks to their enthusiasm and hard work. Erik likes political discussions, local culture and football while Lea has a lot to share on the spiritual and philosophical topics. They are both very friendly and well-mannered. Erik also produced a… read more
(Excellent)
7 Nov 2023
Left by Workawayer (Erik) for host
We've been at Soykans place only for one week, because we didn't have more time. Anyway it was a great experience. The accomodation is very nice and we cooked a lot of tasty stuff together. Soykan took us to the markets, invited us to his aunt and was celebrating with us the 100th anniversary day of Tukey. The olive picking was a very meditating… read more
5 Nov 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Billy)
You will be lucky to have Billy as a volunteer, he is a strong team player without much need for guidance. We prepared our fields, packaged olive oil, fixed some mats together before our harvest. He was also very helpful in the kitchen. He is well travelled and open to sharing his experience. I also got some good music advice from him, much… read more
(Excellent)
3 Nov 2023
Left by Workawayer (Billy) for host
I stayed with Soykan for a week just before harvest. The work was fair, the food was great and the cooking was always shared between. We spent our free time sharing stories and checking out the local area. Highly recommended!
4 Sep 2023
Left by Workawayer (KIRIL & SOFIA) for host
Soykan is a very nice man. He allowed me to stay with him for a few days, because I could not stay for a long time. We did a great job. He was always attentive and gave work according to my physical capabilities. We also did not work long hours and took breaks. His garden and trees are wonderful and it was a pleasure to help with them.
We also had… read more
We also had… read more
9 Aug 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (KIRIL & SOFIA)
Kiril came twice to our place to help since he was based in Izmir and wanted to have a break from the city life. We had a great time together, working on our trees and picking fruits for a few days. He has a calm nature, showed genuine interest in the work and quickly became a good friend. He understands Turkish quite well, impressive how quickly… read more
(Excellent)
20 Jul 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Ulysse)
Louise and Jean-Christophe arrived a few days before a heatwave but we managed to get some good work done on some adhoc projects. They both exhibited strong work ethic, getting their hands dirty, working through ambigious situations. As a newly wed couple, there was a really nice aura around them, giving good vibes and cheerful moments. It was… read more
(Excellent)
19 Jul 2023
Left by Workawayer (Ulysse) for host
We arrived at Soykan's house without expectations and we have been pleasantly surprised. Soykan is very open minded and free spirit person. He clickly manage to made us feel comfortable, he was generous with his time, good vibe and facilities. We have been touch by his benevolence. His compagny the one of his aunt was enjoyable. What could have… read more
20 Jul 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Matthis & Betül)
Matthis first arrived at our place and we managed to do a few days of work after which Betus also joined us. My overall impression is highly positive of them, they were very eager to help, volunteering for any task, even proposing new ideas which were very useful. Matthis is a calm and energetic person at the same time, mindful and respectful at… read more
(Excellent)
19 Jul 2023
Left by Workawayer (Matthis & Betül) for host
Soykan hosted us for about two weeks in Turgutlu and we are so grateful he did. Working hours were short because of the heat and the farm didn't require so much maintenance during the summer. We spend most of our time with little tasks, jam making, eating great food and simply enjoying each others company.
Soykan is a very humble and open minded… read more
Soykan is a very humble and open minded… read more
8 Dec 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Harriet)
Harriet has a great sense of humour and puts anyone at ease. She was an uncomplicated hardworking volunteer who contributed significantly to the final part of our harvest. She is quite tough, resilient and focused without the fuss, probably as a result of her growing up on a farm. She quickly adapted to our schedule and exhibited deep maturity and… read more
(Excellent)
8 Dec 2022
Left by Workawayer (Harriet) for host
Soykan was the best host anyone could ask for. This was my first workaway experience and I had such a great time. Soykan was very welcoming and chill whilst being a lot of fun and an amazing person to work and hangout with. Picking olives was a lot more fun than I expected, being out in the sunny fields with Soykan and the other volunteers was… read more
28 Nov 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Döndü)
Döndü is an incredible person, a rare gem, with a big heart and soul. We had an instant connection, thanks to her Turkish roots and interesting life experience. She was by far the most energetic person on the field, motivating others, going above and beyond the call of duty. There was no task too small for her. We had a lot of balcony chats over… read more
(Excellent)
27 Nov 2022
Left by Workawayer (Döndü) for host
It was my first experience as a volunteer … I could‘nt ask for a better place.
So thank you Soykan. I felt comfortable from the beginning and he treated me as a friend rather than a workawayer. We had great conversations, I learned a lot from him and improved my English and Turkish as well :)
His Place in Turgutlu is quite and ideal for… read more
So thank you Soykan. I felt comfortable from the beginning and he treated me as a friend rather than a workawayer. We had great conversations, I learned a lot from him and improved my English and Turkish as well :)
His Place in Turgutlu is quite and ideal for… read more
26 Nov 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Marine & Hugo)
Marine and Hugo, aka the "French Couple" :), brought some cool breeze in the middle of an intensive olive picking season this year. They quickly bonded with the rest of the team while showing great interest in the actual work. They were super nice to extend their stay to help us complete the harvest as a tight-knit team at the end, special mention… read more
(Excellent)
26 Nov 2022
Left by Workawayer (Marine & Hugo) for host
We had such an amazing time at Soykan's! We stayed almost 2 weeks with him and other volunteers were there too. It was during picking season and was a lot of fun.
The work is fine, a little physical but not too tiring. Since we started in the morning (after a delicious breakfast), we were usually done by 2pm so we had time to relax, chat, cook,… read more
The work is fine, a little physical but not too tiring. Since we started in the morning (after a delicious breakfast), we were usually done by 2pm so we had time to relax, chat, cook,… read more
12 Nov 2022
Left by Workawayer (Syed Mohamed) for host
These is my first experience doing picking olive.After so many days picking
our host take us to the olive factory to see how olive oil is produce it's such a wonderful experience and also he take us to see how olive fruits to be sell...
One more new experience eating only vegetables because our host is a vegan!!
Thank you very much Soy for… read more
our host take us to the olive factory to see how olive oil is produce it's such a wonderful experience and also he take us to see how olive fruits to be sell...
One more new experience eating only vegetables because our host is a vegan!!
Thank you very much Soy for… read more
10 Nov 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Leila)
Leila spent twelve days with us during the olive picking season. She was always eager to help with a lot of initiative, I could fully trust her with the work and especially the organisational aspects of the harvest. She made wonders in the kitchen, we had good conversations about our lives and perspectives. She is a very intelligent woman, highly… read more
(Excellent)
10 Nov 2022
Left by Workawayer (Leila) for host
I would like to thank you again Soykan for welcoming me and my friend. A big thank you as well to your auntie for cooking food for us. To any prospective workawayer considering joining, don't think twice and go ahead! We felt comfortable from the very beginning. Soykan is a social and open-minded person. He's got lot of funny travel anecdotes to… read more
20 Oct 2022
Left by Workawayer (Saddam hocine) for host
It was my first experience on Workaway, I spent one week with Soykan in his apartment and we worked in the olive field together, he is really a good person with a lot of knowledge, he has a lot of great stories about his travels that he made, I really enjoyed sharing his experiences with us about his travels. I learned a lot about the process of… read more
19 Oct 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Saddam hocine)
Saddam was a top workawayer, always smiling, working hard, a really good person in general. We picked olives together and he had similar past experience which clearly showed. He is a calm and open-minded person, very easy to get along with. We played some games, watched movies together and socialised in the evenings. I hope he enjoyed this first… read more
(Excellent)
20 Oct 2022
Left by Workawayer (Ilona) for host
It was a nice week with Soykan.
Soykan is an experience traveler, who has a many stories to tell. He is very kind and showed us his lovely town, he have great knowledge about Turkish history. He entertained us in the evening with stories , games, films.
That was always enough food and enough coffee and tea.
Soykan is an experience traveler, who has a many stories to tell. He is very kind and showed us his lovely town, he have great knowledge about Turkish history. He entertained us in the evening with stories , games, films.
That was always enough food and enough coffee and tea.
19 Oct 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Ilona)
Ilona was with us for a week, a strong worker with a strong independent mind. We worked intensively picking olives for four days and she was very helpful. She was always punctual and dedicated to the work at all times. She has a bubbly personality, full of energy and laughter. She speaks good English and a few more languages, at this rate probably… read more
(Excellent)
19 Oct 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Emma)
Emma stayed for ten days and instantly fit into the environment. She has excellent communication skills based on her experience as a teacher in foreign countries. She was a great team player who showed interest in the project at all times. The work was indeed hard at times but she was always in a good mood, ready to help wherever she could. We… read more
(Excellent)
19 Oct 2022
Left by Workawayer (Emma) for host
I had such a great time staying with Soykan, he instantly made me feel at home! I was the only workawayer to start so we took it a little bit easy and did some general work around the house such as cleaning windows, watering plants etc.
Then after a few days we were joined by 2 more volunteers so it was time to start olive picking! We'd work for… read more
Then after a few days we were joined by 2 more volunteers so it was time to start olive picking! We'd work for… read more
13 Oct 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Mélanie )
Mélanie helped us during the early olive harvest period and she was enthusiastic about the work and our life here. She came together with another traveller from Bretagne like herself (Elsa, also a very warm and interesting person) We had a lot of fun moments together (cooking, having nice talks and visiting several local villages) She is someone… read more
(Excellent)
12 Oct 2022
Left by Workawayer (Mélanie ) for host
Soykan est une personne tellement sympathique et passionné ! Il vous parlera de son métier, de la Turquie, et de ses aventures avec enthousiasme. Il est aussi très à l'écoute.
Le logement est très spacieux et il y a tout le nécessaire.
Turgutlu n'est pas une ville touristique mais il est possible de se rendre à Izmir facilement. On s'y sent… read more
Le logement est très spacieux et il y a tout le nécessaire.
Turgutlu n'est pas une ville touristique mais il est possible de se rendre à Izmir facilement. On s'y sent… read more
12 Oct 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Melissa & Serge)
Melissa and Serge were great volunteers who were hard working and dedicated. We did some work in our fields and at home during their time here. They cooked a delicious couscous dinner for us one night as well. It was a pleasure meeting them.
(Excellent)
8 Oct 2022
Left by Workawayer (Melissa & Serge) for host
We stayed with Soykan for 4 days, and had great cultural exchanges and discussions.
If you want to experience turkish life in a traditional city (you will be the only tourist there 😁) while helping in the countryside for a few hours a day, don't hesitate to go, especially now in this time of the year where he needs additional support for olive… read more
If you want to experience turkish life in a traditional city (you will be the only tourist there 😁) while helping in the countryside for a few hours a day, don't hesitate to go, especially now in this time of the year where he needs additional support for olive… read more
19 Jun 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Bianca Yara)
Bianca is a smart, mature and independent traveller who adapted quickly to our project. She showed great enthusiasm in the work and was always willing to get her hands dirty no matter what the task was. She was also a very pleasant person to be with. She has some interesting experience having lived and studied in several countries. I truly enjoyed… read more
(Excellent)
19 Jun 2022
Left by Workawayer (Bianca Yara) for host
I had an amazing time with Soykan, wouldn't have changed a thing! Soykan is an incredible person who makes you feel at home from the very first second. Every day was different, from picking hundreds of plums (and eating them!), to cutting bamboo, going hiking, playing backgammon, watching movies, going on walks through Turgutlu, cooking delicious… read more
18 Jun 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Daniel)
Daniel was an exemplary volunteer, also a very interesting person to get to know. He is quick and intelligent so you can fully trust him with any project. We ended up doing a number of odd jobs from fruit picking to cleaning, always with a mix of fun and positive attitude. I also learned many things about his life and Scotland which was inspiring… read more
(Excellent)
18 Jun 2022
Left by Workawayer (Daniel) for host
I had a great time with Soykan, I couldnt have had a better host for my first ever workaway! We (Soykan, my friend and I) had a great time chatting about everything and anything was really easy to get along with, he was very knowlagable about his home city of Turgurtlu and took us on walks around it on a few of the evenings! Everyday is something… read more
12 Apr 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Bruno & Anna)
Anna and Bruno were lovely springtime volunteers with a good sense of humor at all times. We shared some nice memories together, I was a bit sad to say goodbye at the end, kind of people you get used to having around. We had a pretty decent routine of hard work, rest and eating. There were, as always, some tough moments such as tractor breaking… read more
(Excellent)
11 Apr 2022
Left by Workawayer (Bruno & Anna) for host
Had the best time with Soykan! Here you can have fun talks, cook and eat really good food, watch movies in the evening, go on nice walks and hikes in the surrounding area and of course learn alot about the town of Turgutlu. Not to forget the work we did. There was a lot of pruning and weeding to do while we were there. The work was physical and… read more
29 Mar 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (LEE)
Jae Hyeon is a polite, diligent and curious individual who is guaranteed to bring a positive vibe to any surrounding. He almost reached a celebrity status in our little town with many fans, make sure you follow his youtube channel. He was always eager to help and ready to get his hands dirty.
(Excellent)
26 Mar 2022
Left by Workawayer (LEE) for host
It's my first Work away experience. It was undoubtedly the perfect time. He greeted me kindly and helped me not to feel uncomfortable. Working on the farm was so much fun and new experiences, and the time when we came back from work and lit the stove and ate delicious food together is so memorable. I would like to thank Soi for making wonderful… read more
11 Jan 2022
Left by Workawayer (Macarena) for host
Life in this city is very quiet and the soy program is very good, because he is a very friendly person, and we can talk about different experiences. He is a guy with a lot of history and adventurs, enjoyed these days with him .. he helped me all the time when I needed something ... but the city is very small, so you have to think if you want to go… read more
17 Dec 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Macarena)
Maca stayed with us for about ten days, she is a calm and easy-going person who was nice to have around. We worked on our olive trees together post-harvest, she was enthusiastic and diligent about farm work. She was a perfect companion, wishing her an amazing journey back in Africa.
(Excellent)
17 Dec 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Edgar)
Edgar is a great guy, very mature and talented, also an amazing juggler and a fellow bicycle traveller. He stayed with us for a week as we cleared some dead trees, then dug/carried/laid some sheep manure under our trees. It was hard and undesirable but also very essential work and he was extremely helpful. We had some nice meals together, hung out… read more
(Excellent)
23 Nov 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Tim)
It was such a pleasure to host Tim for a few weeks, he is someone you can truly depend on. He is a calm, patient and supportive person who is easy to get along with. We worked hard at times and he was always covering for me like a real family member. He has great passion for what he does such as his cycle touring or amazing cooking. We still have… read more
(Excellent)
23 Nov 2021
Left by Workawayer (Tim) for host
Soy is an amazing person and a great person to be with. I really enjoyed my time with him at the farm learning all about olives from hand picking to sorting and watching olive oli making process. Also getting me into vegan cooking.
He has some great some great stories about his travels around the world by bike.
I hope to meet you again some… read more
He has some great some great stories about his travels around the world by bike.
I hope to meet you again some… read more
26 Oct 2021
Left by Workawayer (Nour & Nicolas) for host
Great and memorable moments with Soykan! We enjoyed our week with him, taking care of his field and cooking some jam after harvesting pears. He has a lot to share, some very interesting stories and advices. I hope I will meet him again.
26 Oct 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Juan Pablo)
Juan Pablo, a fellow cyclist, stopped by my place this summer during his bike tour. We immediately got along, sharing stories, talking about many things like life, books, trips, etc. He is a very friendly guy, eager to help with whatever is needed. Hope we can meet again some day, maybe go cycling in Chile together.
(Excellent)
26 Oct 2021
Left by Workawayer (Juan Pablo) for host
Soykan is a wonderful person.
I stayed with him for a couple of days and had a great time. We spent all day long talking, drinking turkish coffee, playing backgammon, and doing some work in the farm. He has amazing stories to tell (if you can, ask him about his bike trips around the world).
Also, he lives very close to the center of Turgutlu, and… read more
I stayed with him for a couple of days and had a great time. We spent all day long talking, drinking turkish coffee, playing backgammon, and doing some work in the farm. He has amazing stories to tell (if you can, ask him about his bike trips around the world).
Also, he lives very close to the center of Turgutlu, and… read more
19 Jun 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Lochlannn)
We had a short time together but it was a pleasure to host Lochlann. He is a good guy, polite and mature with lots of interesting things to say.
(Excellent)
19 Jun 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Joshua)
We had a short time together but it was still quite productive and entertaining, thanks to the positive attitude and open-mindedness.
(Excellent)
18 Jun 2019
Left by Workawayer (Joshua) for host
Excellent experience, the host very friendly and accommodating! I would have happily stayed longer and spent more time sharing music and travel stories. I highly recommend this workaway :)
10 Feb 2019
Left by Workawayer (Joshua) for host
This was my first Workaway experience and it was awesome. I stayed with Soykan for three weeks helping him out with jobs around his farm but mainly picking olives. He showed me the process to make olive oil and edible olives.
The private bedroom was very comfortable and food was delicious. There was a few days that we went sightseeing in the… read more
The private bedroom was very comfortable and food was delicious. There was a few days that we went sightseeing in the… read more
11 Nov 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Joshua)
Josh (or Jose as we liked to call him) stayed for over three weeks helping me with many difficult tasks and he deserves top credit for his contributions. He was very hard working with a positive attitude at all times. He is a very capable, smart and well-mannered individual who can be trusted for any project. Do not miss the opportunity to welcome… read more
(Excellent)
9 Dec 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Ben)
Ben was my first workawayer as a host and I feel lucky because we had a lot in common. He has an easy going personality with strong visual and listening skills. It was interesting to learn from his life experience and travel stories. We completed the project we started so I am thankful for his perseverance and hard work.
(Excellent)
9 Dec 2018
Left by Workawayer (Ben) for host
I was Soykan's guest for one week in September 2018. The work on his farm was in it's beginning stages, so we worked together to strip old paint and rust off of the building doors and put a fresh coat of industrial paint on them. Soykan was a great host. He cooked healthy meals at his home in Turgutlu. We drove to the farm each day and shared our… read more
11 Nov 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Karla)
Karla helped us over a week during our olive harvest period and she became an integral part of our team in a very short amount of time. She was hard working, independent and took a lot of initiative in our work. It was a very busy period for us and I am grateful for her showing up and getting us over the hill. Muchos gracias for some nice cooking… read more
(Excellent)
26 Oct 2018
Left by Workawayer (Mohammad & Somo) for host
I was his guest for three days, very experienced and experienced in traveling. Thank you so much for your time
