1500-Year-Old Monumental Olive Tree Visited in Gemlik

September 13, 2026 · Milliyet Ekonomi

As part of the olive festival held in Bursa's Gemlik district, a 1500-year-old giant monumental olive tree in the Kurşunlu area was visited during a discovery walk.

Ancient Olive Route in Kurşunlu

The 33rd International Gemlik Olive Festival, held in Bursa's Gemlik district, hosted a special event showcasing the region's deep-rooted agricultural past. The 'Olive Route Discovery Walk' program, organized as part of the festival, concluded at the site of a giant monumental olive tree, estimated to be around 1500 years old, located in the Kurşunlu area. The gathering, held in the garden of Çetin Tozan, a fifth-generation olive producer, was attended by Bursa Chamber of Agricultural Engineers Branch Chairman Dr. Veli Koç, Professional Guide Sabahattin Özcan, and many nature enthusiasts, who traced the traces of olive cultivation culture on-site.

Centuries-Old Heritage Carried to the Future

Gemlik Mayor Şükrü Deviren drew attention to the importance of the region's ancient agricultural wealth, stating:

'Our ancient olive tree, which has survived in these lands for 1,500 years, is the most vivid proof that Gemlik olives are not just a commercial value but a tremendous cultural heritage passed down through generations. Under the shade of this 15-century-old giant, while connecting with our past, we will continue to protect our fertile lands and invaluable olive heritage with the same determination in the future.'

Experts and producers emphasized that the preservation of these ancient trees is vital for local olive genetic resources.

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