Olives

⚫️Olives in North Cyprus: History, Culture, and Timeless Traditions

Olives are more than just a fruit in North Cyprus – they are a symbol of peace, prosperity, and tradition that has shaped the island’s history for thousands of years. With their silvery-green groves spread across hillsides and plains, olives are one of the most important agricultural products in the region and a vital part of Cypriot cuisine and culture.
In Northern Cyprus, as in other Mediterranean countries, the olive tree can be seen everywhere, in the wild and under cultivation. Usually favouring well drained sunny hillsides, olive trees also thrive in backyards and flat plain lands.
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🏛️The Historical Significance of Olives in North Cyprus

The cultivation of olives in Cyprus dates back to the Bronze Age, with archaeological evidence showing that olive oil production was already a well-established practice by 2000 BC. Ancient Cypriots used olives and olive oil not only for food but also for medicine, cosmetics, and religious ceremonies.

The island’s fertile soil and Mediterranean climate made it ideal for olive growing, and over centuries, olive trees became deeply rooted in both the landscape and the identity of the Cypriot people. Some olive trees in North Cyprus are believed to be several hundred years old, standing as living witnesses to history.
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✨Cultural Importance of Olives

In Cypriot culture, olives are far more than a simple ingredient. They represent family, tradition, and hospitality. Harvest time, known locally as the olive season, is still an important event today. Families gather in olive groves during autumn to pick the fruits, often turning the activity into a social occasion filled with food, music, and laughter.

Olive oil has always been regarded as a symbol of health and purity. It plays a central role in North Cypriot cuisine, from drizzling over fresh salads to being used in classic dishes such as molohiya, meze, hummus, and kleftiko. Preserved green and black olives are also served as part of the traditional Cypriot breakfast, alongside halloumi cheese, bread, and tomatoes.
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🫒Green Olives

Olive picking season in Cyprus starts early September and continues through to the New Year. The first olives picked are the small green ones. These are washed, cracked and then soaked in brine, and served as a popular delicacy, Chakistes, found in all homes and Cypriot tavernas. If these olives are left on the trees longer, they turn black, and are then used for making olive oil.
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🍃Olive Leaf Burning

A Turkish Cypriot custom known as ‘Tutsu’, is the burning of olive leaves. A symbolic act for warding off the evil eye and to protect from harm, a family member gathers leaves into a custom metal pot and then burns them, waving the resulting smoke around people for their protection and well being.
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🧴Cosmetology

Olive oil is widely used not only in the kitchen but also in medicine and cosmetology. Cosmetics made with olive oil are very popular in Northern Cyprus. Soaps, moisturisers, shampoos, shower gels, facial masks and much more are available in and around most towns. Olive oil soaps provide a very clean and smooth silky feel with minimal lather, a moisturising effect that lasts longer time than inorganic cosmetics and is perfect for dry and sensitive skin. As olive oil soap contain effective antioxidant properties, usage stimulates new cell generation, slows down wrinkle development and gives skin a youthful look.
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☘️Leaf Extract

The powerful antioxidants of olive leaf extract are also proven to protect against a variety of viral and bacterial infections. Olive leaf extract capsules claim to improve the regulation of blood pressure, and olive leaf tea helps the digestive system.
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🎁Gifts

Olive oil was a very important part of daily life in the Mediterranean in Roman times It was used for food, as fuel for lamps, and as a basic ingredient in things like medicinal ointment, bath oils, skin oils, soaps, perfumes and cosmetics. Even before Roman times, Cyprus was known for its olive oil, as indicated by the Greek philosopher Strabo when he said that “in fertility Cyprus is not inferior to any one of the islands, for it produces both good wine and good oil”. Olive, olive oils and associated products are popular gifts to take home.
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🧼Olive Oil Production in North Cyprus

Traditional olive oil presses, known as zeytinyağı değirmeni, were once a common sight across villages in North Cyprus. Today, modern facilities have replaced many of these, but small-scale family production continues in rural areas. The cold-pressed olive oil of North Cyprus is renowned for its rich flavour, golden-green colour, and high quality.

The island also produces a variety of olive-based products, including olive soap, cosmetics, and even artisanal goods made from olive wood. These products are popular with both locals and visitors, making the olive not only a cultural treasure but also an economic asset.
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🌳Symbolism of the Olive Tree

The olive tree is universally recognised as a symbol of peace, wisdom, and endurance. In North Cyprus, it is also a reminder of resilience and continuity, surviving through centuries of change, conflict, and cultural blending. For locals, the olive tree is not just part of the scenery – it is part of their heritage and daily life.

The phrase, “to offer someone an olive branch” can be commonly heard, meaning a proposal to make peace with someone. Found in most cultures of the Mediterranean, the olive branch first symbolised representing peace in Ancient Egypt, followed many centuries later in ancient Greek mythology. Even on the “Great Seal of the United States”, the supporter of the shield is a bald eagle grasping an olive branch in its’ right talon, symbolising a preference for peace. A petition adopted by the American Continental Congress in July 1775, was called the “Olive Branch Petition” in the hope of avoiding a full-blown war with Great Britain.
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🎉Olives in Modern-Day North Cyprus

Today, olives and olive oil remain a staple of the Cypriot diet and a celebrated part of the island’s identity. Festivals dedicated to olives, such as the Zeytinlik Olive Festival held near Kyrenia, highlight the continuing importance of the fruit. These events showcase traditional harvesting techniques, olive oil tastings, local crafts, and Cypriot folk music, drawing both locals and tourists.
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🌸Final Thoughts

From ancient times to the modern day, olives in North Cyprus have held a central role in the island’s agriculture, cuisine, and culture. Whether enjoyed at a local meyhane as part of a meze, or savoured in the form of golden olive oil drizzled over fresh bread, olives remain a timeless connection between the people of North Cyprus and their rich history.

The nurture and care of olive trees is of course a matter of some skill. Legend has it that those who eat the fruit of this tree receive its resilience and endurance. Not surprisingly, Cypriots are considered to be long-lived and local life expectancy exceeds European average and other developed countries. Olive products are renowned for their health, vitality and longevity benefits, and olive trees have even had a tremendous impact on global affairs.

Olives are an integral part of Cypriot culture and have been cultivated on the island since ancient times. Olive trees live for a long time and have been known to go for over 2,500 years. The oldest Monumental Olive Trees in the village of Kalkanli are an attraction for thousands of visitors each year.

If you’re visiting North Cyprus, don’t miss the chance to explore olive groves, sample fresh olive oil, and immerse yourself in the cultural traditions that make olives such an enduring symbol of the island.