Venerable olive tree in Mersin remains abundant in production
In the heart of southern Turkey, nestled within the picturesque Mut district, lies an extraordinary olive tree that has stood the test of time. This monumental tree, estimated to be around 1,316 years old, is not only a marvel of nature but also a symbol of the deep-rooted agricultural heritage of Mersin.
With a trunk diameter of 178 cm, a canopy spread of 7.5 meters, and standing 5.5 meters tall, this ancient tree is a sight to behold. Despite its great age, it continues to bear olives every harvest season, typically in October, showcasing its resilience and vitality.
The significance of these monumental olive trees extends beyond their physical attributes. They are cherished by the local community as the "memory" of the land, symbols of longevity and continuity. Olive trees are not just trees; they are living testimonies to the region's history.
The Mut district is home to several other monumental olive trees, aged between 450 and 800 years. These ancient trees underscore the importance of olive farming in the region's agricultural history. In fact, nearly 269,000 decares in the Mersin area are dedicated to olive farming.
The care and protection of these monumental olive trees are community efforts, with locals and the village head actively participating in their maintenance. Their designation as "monumental trees" by a regional board since 2009 underscores their importance as natural heritage assets and as emblematic links to the region’s past.
Muharrem Yılmaz, the head of a local chamber of agriculture in Mersin, highlighted the cultural importance of these trees. He described them as the "memory" of the land, emphasizing their role in preserving the region's history and identity.
Producer Songül Çıraklı echoed similar sentiments, stating that these trees are the "memory" of the land. She explained that olive trees are the "immortal" symbols of the region, as they continue to produce fruit as long as they are not cut down.
In summary, the monumental olive trees in Mersin are distinguished by their extraordinary age, impressive physical dimensions, continuous fruit production, and their role as cultural and agricultural symbols intimately tied to the identity and history of the local community. Their protection and preservation are crucial to maintaining the region's rich heritage and ensuring that these living testaments to history continue to thrive for generations to come.
[1] Türk Telekom Mersin TV. (2021). Mersin'de 1316 yıllık büyük zeytin ağacı. [Video file]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IzU-OZ_1N4E [2] Doğan News Agency. (2021). Mersin'de 1316 yıllık zeytin ağacı. [News article]. https://www.dogannews.com.tr/son-dakika/mersin-de-1316-yilli-zeytin-agaci-1641488
