What a stroke of luck in Alanya! Found 'vomit' on the beach, became a millionaire!

A man walking on the beach in Alanya became a millionaire thanks to the whale vomit (ambergris) he found by chance. While walking along the shore in Mahmutlar neighborhood of Alanya, a man was shocked by an unusual object he found among the sands. When he learned that the substance he held was "ambergris," a rare material used in the perfume industry, he suddenly realized he had become a millionaire.

Worth Millions of Liras!

The lucky man's rare find is used primarily as a fixative to increase the longevity of fragrances in the perfume sector and has a market value reaching millions of liras per kilogram. For example, 42.75 kilograms of ambergris previously found in Mersin was valued at about 10 million Turkish Lira.

What is Whale Vomit (Ambergris) and Why is it So Valuable?

Commonly known as "fish vomit," ambergris is a rare and valuable substance naturally formed in the intestines of sperm whales. This solid, waxy, and pleasantly scented material forms in the digestive system to protect the intestines from hard and sharp objects swallowed by whales. Over time, it interacts with seawater and becomes valuable.

The main reasons ambergris is so valuable are:

Rarity: It only forms in some sperm whales and is not found in every whale.

Use in the Perfume Industry: It is a unique fixative that enhances the longevity of perfumes.

Economic Value: It has a market price reaching millions of liras per kilogram depending on quality.

Where is it Found and What is its Legal Status?

Ambergris is usually found floating on the ocean surface or washed up on shores. It is most commonly found along the coasts of the Bahamas, Maldives, New Zealand, and Brazil. Although whale hunting and ambergris trade are banned in many countries, the collection of ambergris naturally expelled into the sea is legal in some regions. This has led to legal and ethical debates regarding the substance.