At the foot of Mount Treskavica, about 25 kilometers from the center of Sarajevo, lies the village of Godinja near Trnovo, where the Čolić family has been producing honey for many years while enjoying the charms of pristine nature, far from the noise and hustle of the city, reports Anadolu.
Beekeeper Selvir Čolić and his wife Elma have been devotedly and passionately engaged in beekeeping for the past 15 years, and their honey has found its way into homes in many countries, from Europe to distant Asia.
Čolić told Anadolu Agency that having a love for bees is essential for beekeeping, and that the honey yield ultimately depends on many factors, particularly weather conditions.
“Beekeeping depends on the year—what kind of year it is. This year started very difficultly; there were many frosts, and we lost the acacia honey flow. We weren’t lucky enough to harvest that acacia. In recent years, the acacia flow, which is the main one, has failed. As for this honey, the meadows and mountains, I usually say that the mountain never disappoints a person. This year is decent considering the number of hives; we are satisfied and have enough for our customers,” said this experienced beekeeper.
Beekeeping requires a lot of effort
Beekeeping, he emphasizes, is a profession that demands a lot of effort, dedication, and love.
“We are not able to expand the market because it’s just me and my wife in this work. This is too much work even for seven, eight, or ten people, but the two of us manage somehow; we are fully dedicated to it,” Čolić points out.
Bee products, he says, are very beneficial for human health, especially as a preventive measure against many diseases.
“When it comes to honey, people usually think of honey immediately when bees are mentioned, but honey actually comes third. Before that, there is royal jelly, propolis, and pollen as the strongest natural protein. Propolis is the strongest antibiotic, royal jelly is good for many illnesses, and they even say it can help against cancer. As for honey itself, it is good as a preventive; taking a teaspoon daily is recommended,” the beekeeper emphasizes.
He also notes that the Trnovo municipality, to which they belong, is becoming increasingly well-known as a tourist attraction, with many foreigners coming to enjoy the natural beauty of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Many also visit the Čolić family to try their honey and various other bee products.
“Bosnia and Herzegovina is one of the most beautiful countries in the world, and I am proud to live here. It makes me happy when these people come,” Čolić says, adding that conditions for beekeeping in Bosnia and Herzegovina are good, especially in mountainous areas.
The mountain is the best
“With climate change, the mountain comes as the best option because later, during periods without nectar, bees in the mountains can still provide something for themselves and the beekeeper. In recent years we’ve seen late frosts, heavy rains, and later extreme droughts, and the mountain is still the mountain,” Čolić said.
As part of their “beekeeping empire,” they also have an inhalation chamber that has helped many people, especially children, fight various illnesses.
“It works by inhaling air from the hives, which helps children, adults, and people with asthma or sinus problems,” said the beekeeper, who started with three hives and now has around 420.
On their property, besides the bees, the Čolić family also keeps chickens from different parts of the world, various types of birds, pigeons, and dogs, enjoying their own oasis of peace—a refuge that many people today surely long for as a way to escape daily stress.
