Throughout history, the olive has been far more than a foodstuff. It has served as currency, sacred object, beauty secret and a critical economic engine in the rise of civilisations.
From Mythology to Reality: The Olive and Athens
According to ancient Greek mythology, the city of Athens takes its name from a contest between Poseidon and Athena. Athena planted an olive tree on the Acropolis — and both gods and mortals judged her gift the more valuable, giving the city her name.
Egyptian Pharaohs and the Olive
In ancient Egypt, the olive tree was considered sacred and associated with the goddess Isis. Olive oil has been found in the tombs of pharaohs.
🏺 From History's Pages
In the tomb of Tutankhamun (d. 1325 BC), alongside gold and precious stones, olive wreaths and olive oil vessels were also discovered — testament to how highly the olive was valued in that era.
The Phoenicians and Trade Routes
The Phoenicians were among the first trading peoples to carry olive culture to every corner of the Mediterranean. Sailing the entire sea between 1000 and 500 BC, they spread olive trees and oil trade to North Africa, the Iberian Peninsula and the islands.
The Olive in Islamic Civilisation
The olive is mentioned in the Qur'an as a "blessed tree". During the Moorish era in Andalusia, Arab scholars systematically researched and documented the medicinal properties of the olive.
The Ottoman Empire and the Olive
In the Ottoman period, olive groves were considered a major state asset. Istanbul's primary fuel and lighting source was olive oil. Olive oil exports were an important source of foreign revenue.
Republican Turkey and the Olive
The 1939 Olive Protection Law strictly prohibited the destruction of olive groves. Today Turkey has over 180 million olive trees, with the sector supporting more than 3 million families.