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.