Olive farming in Andalusia

Abstract

The olive tree is a perennial fruit tree and is considered a great treasure due to its economic, health and environmental benefits. Its fruit has many benefits and is a complete food from which olive oil is extracted, which has health, nutritional and cosmetic benefits. It has been mentioned in medical studies and research. Therefore, olives have occupied a special position in many cultures and carried prominent symbolic values, including the olive branch as a symbol of peace. The olive tree was also a symbol of wisdom in Greek culture, where it, along with the owl, symbolized the goddess Athena. The Greek goddess of peace, Irina, daughter of Zeus, is always depicted carrying an olive branch. It is an indisputable fact that the Andalusians took an interest in agriculture in general, and the cultivation of the olive tree in particular. Since the conquerors set foot in the Iberian Peninsula, the Islamic governments of Andalusia paid great attention to agriculture, which helped stabilize the population, establish security, and make good use of agricultural lands. The Muslim conquerors transformed the lands of Spain into flourishing gardens and orchards after they brought various plants from the Islamic East, carrying with them their agricultural expertise. In addition, Spain enjoyed capabilities that helped develop agriculture and diversify crops. Therefore, the olive tree was not strange to that country, as the Andalusians took an interest in cultivating the olive tree, and there was hardly an Andalusian city that did not grow olives. This spread was accompanied by a diversity of uses for olives, especially food and medicine.