Olive is a perennial Mediterranean tree. Its fruit and oil have been used by people for thousands of years in various ways. The olive, which is a subject of legends and holy books, is a sacred tree symbolizing peace, abundance, wisdom and immortality. In the myth about the birth of mankind, olive symbolizes the peace of the Prophet Adam with God, and in the story of Noah’s Flood, represents peace with nature. In ancient times, Homer called olive oil as “liquid gold”. Hippocrates recommends it as a healing medicine. The philosopher Aristotle describes the cultivation of olives and the extraction of olive oil as a science. The olive tree is so valuable; Various laws are enacted for the protection of this tree at different times in history.

In a myth of Greek mythology, which god will protect the city of Athens is a matter of debate. Zeus, the god of the gods, assembles the assembly of the gods and says: “Whoever gives this city the most valuable gift will protect it”. Poseidon, the god of the sea, brings out a fast and powerful horse from the seas that can be very useful in wars. ”With these horses, you go all over the world, build armies and conquer”, he says. Athena, the goddess of wisdom and strategy, presents a wild olive tree that she has inoculated. “This tree will grow and live for centuries. It will be fed with the fruit of this tree, the extraordinary flavor of its oil will pass into your dishes, it will heal you and brighten your night”, she says. Athena wins the competition and her name is given to the city she protects. In the legend, the horse represents nomadism and war, while the olive tree symbolizes established order, peace, intelligence and civilization.

You can see the wild olive bushes in natural maquis areas. Also close to sea level, the regions is full of olive groves. However, you can visit the Olive Park in the city center of Antalya and wander among thousands of olive trees.