The apricot, which has a widespread distribution worldwide, is believed to be a vast region encompassing Turkestan, Central Asia, and Western China.

During Alexander the Great's campaigns, apricots were brought to Anatolia in the 4th century BC. Because Anatolia had the ideal climate and soil for its cultivation, Anatolia became the apricot's second homeland. Although geographically distributed throughout the world, apricots have spread to countries near the Mediterranean, particularly in Europe, Central Asia, the Americas, and Africa, where they found growing areas.

Turkey ranks first in the world's production of fresh and dried apricots and is the clear global leader in dried apricot foreign trade. A fruit identified with Malatya, apricots, when mentioned in production, are a significant commercial activity for both our country and our region, directly contributing to the regional economy.

Our center, established within our university, was established to carry out joint activities, primarily academic studies, with different institutions and organizations for the sustainability of apricot cultivation and the development of different commercial derivative products.