Ancient olive trees in Antalya begin fruit production

Two ancient olive trees, estimated to be 1,211 and 761 years old, have begun producing fruit at Zeytinpark in Antalya, Turkey. Originally located in the Akhisar district of Manisa, the trees were uprooted in 2016 to prevent them from being destroyed during highway construction.

Saved through an initiative by Antalya Commodity Exchange President Ali Çandır, the trees have successfully adapted to their new environment following specialized care. The trees are of the ‘Uslu’ variety, and their harvest is used for both table olives and olive oil.

Zeytinpark General Manager Bayram Çarkçıgil reported that approximately 160 kilograms of produce is expected this season, with 90 kilograms from the oldest tree and 70 kilograms from the 800-year-old tree. The fruit has garnered significant interest due to its perceived spiritual and symbolic value, with some visitors seeking individual olives as symbols of luck and abundance.