The Anatolian bee (Apis mellifera anatoliaca) is the most common bee race in Turkey. This bee race is the aboriginal population of Turkey, populating the central parts of the country, excluding the north-eastern and south-eastern regions. This bee race belongs to the branch of bee classified as Oriental. Recent genetic studies have confirmed that this honey bee race is a branch of Eastern European bees. They have many ecotypes adapted to different regions and showing great variation in terms of body color, productivity and morphological, physiological and behavioral characters. Each ecotype of Anatolian bee race reflects in its different environmental characteristics of its endemic range. The most common ecotypes of Anatolian bee race are the Muğla bees and the Central Anatolian bees. Anatolian bees have dirty yellow colors and small body. They are more aggressive than the Italian, Carniolan and Caucasian bees. This bee race also has some very good characteristics too. Their nectar collection, overwintering capability and swarming tendency is high but robbing tendency is low. Also Anatolian honey bee race consume very little honey during the winter period and under appropriate conditions grow fast. According to the nutritional status, the tendency of best larvae feeding of Anatolian bees is their most important behavioral characteristics. Additionally, high propolis consumption and honeycomb construction in beehive space are the main disadvantages of this race