The fig tree, which has existed in our world for 80 million years, is a very old tree species. The nutritional value of the fruits is very high. The tubers of the fig, which feeds about 1200 species, symbolize fertility. It has been cultivated in the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts since ancient times. The provinces of Aydın and Muğla, where fig production is very high in Anatolia, are within the Caria region in the historical geography. The Latin name of fig isFicus carica”derives from the historic “Caria”. The milky liquid in fig leaves has both therapeutic and fermenting properties. Even today in Anatolia, fig milk is used for fermenting cheese.

Figs, mentioned in Sumerian inscriptions of 5000 years ago, have always been a sacred tree. It is the tree of the mother goddess Cybele. Figs are found in many beliefs from Buddhism to Judaism, while fig tree is covered in many legends from the founding legends of Rome to Greek mythology.

The Saver Fig
Fig tree has a protective feature in Greek mythology. According to legend, Zeus defeated his father Kronos and settles in Anatolia, capturing his father. His grandmother Gaia is very upset. He fights with Zeus, who he supported at first, and goes into war with him. But Zeus, who has become very powerful now, chases after his grandmother Gaia. Gaia’s son Titan Sykeus extracts a fig tree from the ground and protects his mother from lightning by keeping Gaia under the fig tree.

You can see the fig tree in Antalya Kaleiçi, in ancient cities and in the gardens of village houses.