According to the Old Testament, the olive is a symbol of prosperity and abundance. In Ancient Egypt, it was regarded as the fruit of Goddess Isis and a symbol of enlightenment for the Sun God Ra. In Ancient Greece, the olive tree was considered a gift from Goddess Athena, representing fertility and peace. In all sacred beliefs, olive trees are seen as a divine gift to humanity and symbolize values such as peace, fertility, abundance, and enlightenment.

Referred to as the first among all trees, olive trees have a history dating back thousands of years. Archaeological studies indicate that olive cultivation dates back to 4000 BC. Found in the Mediterranean basin for over 6,000 years, the olive tree’s homeland is known to include Southeastern Anatolia, encompassing Upper Mesopotamia, and South Asia.

The historical significance of olive trees is evident in Ancient Athens’ constitution. A decree stated, “Regardless of state or private ownership, anyone who cuts down or destroys an olive tree shall be tried in court, and if found guilty, they shall be punished by death.” This strict measure underscores the importance of olive trees in history.

With the establishment of the Republic of Turkey, efforts to expand olive cultivation became a state policy. Initiatives included sending young agricultural engineers to Italy for training, planting hundreds of thousands of olive trees, increasing production, and establishing the Olive Research Institute in Bornova. These policies contributed to the spread of olive cultivation throughout the Marmara, Aegean, and Mediterranean regions.

The Aegean region is the primary area for olive cultivation in Turkey, known for producing high-quality olives used in olive oil production. Additionally, depending on the variety, olive production is also carried out in South Marmara, Gaziantep, and Kahramanmaraş.

Today, Turkey accounts for approximately 5.5% of global olive production and about 3.4% of global olive and olive oil exports. According to the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK), Turkey’s total olive production reached 1.3 million tons during the 2018/2019 season. Furthermore, data from the International Olive Council (IOC) indicate that olive oil production in the 2019/2020 season reached 225,000 tons.

However, a recent amendment to the Mining Regulation by the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources allows mining activities on lands registered as olive groves in the land registry if deemed necessary to meet the country’s electricity needs. The regulation permits the relocation of olive groves for mining activities and the construction of temporary facilities in these areas if deemed to serve the “public interest.”

The contribution of olive trees to nature and the economy is invaluable and an inseparable part of Turkey’s agricultural production and environment. The historical 3573 Olive Rehabilitation and Grafting of Wild Olive Law still in force includes Article 20, which states: “Within olive grove areas and a minimum distance of 3 kilometers from them, facilities other than olive oil factories that hinder the vegetative and generative development of olive groves through chemical waste, dust, and smoke shall not be established or operated.” This law aims to protect olive groves through various measures and sanctions.

Additionally, Article 56 of the Constitution of Turkey stipulates: “Everyone has the right to live in a healthy and balanced environment. Improving the environment, protecting environmental health, and preventing pollution are the duties of the State and its citizens.” Furthermore, Article 45 provides: “The State shall prevent the misuse and destruction of agricultural lands, pastures, and meadows, facilitate agricultural and livestock production in accordance with agricultural planning principles, and ensure that producers receive the real value of their produce.” These constitutional provisions safeguard agriculture, farmers, and agricultural lands, imposing a duty on the State to ensure their protection.

The International Agreement on Olive Oil and Table Olives (2005), adopted by Law No. 5929, includes Article 34, which states: “Members shall prioritize environmental and ecological concerns in all stages of olive and olive oil production and undertake necessary activities to address and resolve problems in these areas as deemed necessary by the Members’ Council.” This ensures that olive and olive cultivation activities are protected under international agreements, holding the State accountable for providing this protection.

Regulations must comply with higher-ranking laws and the Constitution in the hierarchy of norms.

Protecting our olive trees, which hold such significant value for our country, and supporting agricultural production is crucial. The Ministry should revoke the amendment to the regulation, prioritizing agricultural lands and nature. Efforts should be directed toward the protection and development of agricultural lands.

Av. Şefik ZİROĞLU & Stj. Av. Neslihan Öykü ŞAHİN