Productive olive trees in Şırnak

ADANA - Doğan News Agency

Olive trees that actually yield olives have been found at the summit of the Cudi and Küpeli mountains in the southeastern province of Şırnak, which is generally more associated with militant activity and military operations.

The trees were found as part of a project that is being carried out to identify olive types.
Agricultural engineer Mehmet Ulaş said the discovery was a surprise since olive trees are generally not seen in elevations above 700 to 800 meters.

‘Very surprising in this temperature’

“It is very surprising that this type of olive tree [can be found] in this climate and temperature. Gardens can be created at the peaks of mountains,” Ulaş said.

Ankara University Faculty of Agriculture lecturer Mücahit Taha Özkaya said they had received special permission to conduct research in the region.

“This is the first time that we have found this type of olive trees in this region. The results have genetic importance. Olive farming may be possible in a region with these climate conditions,” he said.