K01 – WOOD ANATOLIAN OLIVE OIL PRESS

Olive oil played a crucial role in the Ottoman Empire’s economy. In 1863, an investment strategy aimed at boosting production involved planting 500,000 olive trees annually was implemented, as it takes ten to twelve years for an olive tree to bear fruit. Throughout history, olive trees have been a staple of the Mediterranean landscape, forming a key part of the Mediterranean diet.  Early Turkish olive oil producers utilized the traditional cold pressing method to extract oil from olives. Even today, many still prefer this method, pressing the olives mechanically without applying heat. This process preserves the oil’s natural taste and beneficial properties.