The Olive Tree Story

The Sacred Olive Tree Story:

The olive tree is a sacred tree that has been the subject of many legends dating back about 40000 years. It is said to be the first of all trees growing and growing on earth. The earliest evidence of the olive tree is based on archaeological studies on the island of Santorini in the Aegean Sea. In this case, the history of olive cultivation also dates back to the first people. Olive is written in scriptures and many legends.

It is believed that there are two trees in heaven. One is the fig tree, which represents the truth, and the other is the olive tree, which represents life. In Islam, the olive is the axis of the world, and the olive branch is Hz. It is considered the symbol of the Prophet. It is sacred because the olive oil obtained from its grain is the source of light, like a light, and according to Christian belief, the first tree to die after the flood is the olive tree. The holy oil obtained from its grains is so valuable that it is known that Christian priests, like Jewish kings, were blessed with it. According to legends, olive is the meaning of life in the Roman Empire.

We all know that olive branch crowns were put on the heads of the athletes who won the Olympic games in ancient times. Hercules' weapon is also from the olive branch. Hz. While fleeing from Absalom, David climbed the slopes of the Mount of Olives east of Jerusalem. Hz. The Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus breathed his last, is on the threshold of this mountain, even the cross on which he was crucified is made of olive wood.

Olive, which is a Mediterranean plant, has a very wide area of ​​cultivation in Turkey, from our wide coastline starting from the Eastern Mediterranean to the Western Black Sea and the inner regions affected by the maritime climate. It is confirmed by many researchers that the homeland of the olive is Anatolia, and that it has spread from here to Greece, Italy, France and Spain. With the expedition of Alexander the Great, olive spread to the Aegean and Mediterranean, and then the Romans, Phrygians and Phoenicians, who occupied the Aegean and Mediterranean, met olives. The olives transported by Roman ships to Europe in amphorae are thus opened to the world.

In the archaeological studies carried out in the city of Klazomenai in Urla on the Çeşme peninsula in the northwest of İzmir, 2500 years of history were brought to light and the first earthenware boiler, which was made in 3000 BC and used in olive oil production, was found. In order to understand the value given to the olive tree throughout history, it is sufficient to know that human beings have attributed meanings such as hope, peace and victory to it, and even that the tree and its fruit are considered sacred in some societies. In the modern age we live in, golden liquid olive oil has gained a new status. Health, taste and purity...

The only fruit oil that can be consumed like fruit juice is olive oil. It has an important function in preventing coronary diseases and is effective on bone development, brain and nervous system. It reduces cholesterol levels and prevents atreiosclerosis. It prevents high blood pressure and diabetes. By regulating the digestive system, it prevents gastritis and ulcers, and prevents the formation of gallstones. It is the only vegetable oil equivalent to the fat in breast milk. It also adds flavor to the flavor of our food.

FAMOUS AYVALIK OLIVES AND OLIVE OIL:

The olive tree, which has an 8000-year history in Anatolia, spread to the Mediterranean coast from here. Olives and olive oil are considered as national cultural products in Turkey due to their historical importance and widespread plantation in the country.

The olive tree presence in Turkey has reached 140 million trees with the sapling plantings carried out in recent years and continues to increase. Olive oils, especially obtained from the northern Aegean region, have a well-deserved reputation both at home and abroad with their quality features. The dominant olive variety of the region is Ayvalık and its oil rate is very high. In addition to the variety characteristics, the geographical location of the region, the soil structure and the prevailing winds have a direct effect on the quality characteristics of the olive oil produced here.

A significant part of the olive oil produced in Ayvalık is in the "Extra Virgin" class. In terms of sensory properties, fruit aroma and flavor are strong. Its positive sensory and chemical properties allow the product to maintain its quality for a long time. The processing technique of table olives in the region is mostly natural. The production of green and black table olives is equal to each other.

In Ayvalık, where the world's best quality and delicious olive oil is produced, 60% of the entire district land and approximately 76% of the agricultural lands are olive groves. There are approximately 2,000,000 olive trees in the district, where 4,300 families own olive groves and most of them earn their living from this sector. Olive growing is the most important source of livelihood along with the developing tourism.

            Olive is a way of life in Ayvalık. The district, which comes to life during the harvest periods, is a source of bread for both its locals and those coming from the surrounding districts and villages. The rush to collect olives, which starts with the first light of the morning, ends with olive sacks descending to the factories in the evening. Factories produce the world's best quality, most delicious and most delicious olive oil in Ayvalık.