In the region surrounding Istanbul (Turkey's largest city) known as the Northern Forests, handmade charcoal production dates back to the 2000s BC and continues to these days. But experts say that the forests are now at serious risk as a result of increasing urbanization, mining activities and climate change in the region in recent years. Climate change also has an impact on the activity of traditional charcoal producers, known for building circular arrangements of oak wood called "torluk".
