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Kozu-bash — Crimean Apple Variety

Kozu-bash (Crimean Tatar for "lamb's head") is a unique indigenous Crimean apple variety, described by Levko Simirenko in "Pomology". It was almost lost following the deportation of the Crimean Tatars in 1944, but was rediscovered in Bilohirsk (Karasubazar) District in 2018.

Overview

Kozu-bash is a large, showy apple, one of the finest Crimean varieties. At the end of the 19th century, it began to disappear from commercial orchards. The main cultivation center was Karasubazar District (now Bilohirsk). After the deportation of the Crimean Tatar people in 1944, the variety was virtually lost. In 2018, enthusiasts managed to find an old tree in Bilohirsk District.

Key Details / Subtopics

  • Name and Origin: Translated from Crimean Tatar, "kozu-bash" means "lamb's head". It belongs to the indigenous Crimean apple varieties cultivated in the chayir orchards of the Crimean Tatar population.
  • Levko Simirenko's Description: Described in detail in Levko Simirenko's work "Pomology". Simirenko noted that the variety began disappearing from commercial orchards as early as the end of the 19th century and expressed fears of losing it.
  • Distribution at the End of the 19th Century:
  • Significant groves of Kozu-bash were in the orchards of Karasubazar District (Azamat, Dzhepari, Ovak, orchards of the Bobovich brothers, Shishman, etc.).
  • In Simferopol Uyezd (County), according to the "Survey", 536 trees were registered.
  • Solitary trees were found in almost every Tatar orchard.
  • Loss: The variety disappeared during the reconstruction of Crimean commercial orchards, and a fatal blow was dealt by the deportation of Crimean Tatars in 1944, when chayir horticulture and local fruit crop varieties were destroyed.
  • 2018 Discovery: In 2018, A. Server (last name changed) and members of an enthusiast group found an old Kozu-bash tree in Bilohirsk (Karasubazar) District. Preliminary pomological study confirmed agreement with Simirenko's description.
  • Disease Resistance: The variety is distinguished by high resistance of leaves and fruit to scab — the fruit is never affected by this fungal disease. Furthermore, the fruit is almost undamaged by the codling moth.
  • Varieties: Up to four sub-varieties of the cultivar existed in Crimea:
  • Two in O. H. Bangliarov's orchards in Ovak (one with a pyramidal crown and large fruits, another with a spherical crown and smaller fruits, but higher yield).
  • White Kozu-bash and Striped Kozu-bash in A. A. Krym's orchard.
  • Export Potential: Kozu-bash was willingly exported, with prices matching that of Sari Sinap.