Olive, an indispensable part of Mediterranean culture

Prof. Dr. Ahsen Işık Özgüven,  Vice Dean of the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Technologies of Cyprus International University (CIU), speaking on the occasion of November 26, "World Olive Tree Day", pointed out that olive, which forms the basis of healthy nutrition is of great importance in terms of environmental protection and is an indispensable species of the Mediterranean geography.

Özgüven pointed out that this day was determined by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to raise awareness regarding the olive tree which is the symbol of peace all over the world. He also shared the information that,  "The most important factor that makes the olive tree so special is that it is the first ever cultivated tree." .

Reminding that the fruit of the olive tree is processed to obtain olive oil and table olives, the by-products resulting from this process are agricultural products that can be reused for different purposes.

Özgüven said that olive trees are mostly grown  in countries bordering the Mediterranean (Spain, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Tunisia, Syria, Morocco, France and Portugal) due to the special climatic requirements of the olive plant and that approximately 93% of the world's olive trees are grown still in this area.

Özgüven also stated that 16.6 million tons of olives are produced in approximately 10.6 million hectares of land worldwide, and reminded that olives have benefits not only for being highly nutritious but also for maintaining healthy skin.

Emphasizing that the olive tree has many benefits in terms of environmental protection, Özgüven stated that the olive tree prevents both desertification and erosion. 

Özgüven stated that olive is a strategic product for the country and at the same time an important genes source, and said, "The olive tree in Northern Cyprus is quite ancient and widespread, and there are monumental olive trees, especially in the Kalkanlı region."