The emergence of the olive tree has been narrated in various cultures and societies worldwide in different ways. Expressions related to olives are found in religious texts, all of which highlight the significance of olives for humanity.

In Islam, in the “Stories of the Prophets” (Kısas-ı Enbiya), the presentation of olives to humanity is narrated as follows: “Adam felt pain and complained to God about it. Upon this, Gabriel brought down an olive tree and said, ‘Eat its fruit and squeeze it, for it contains healing for all pains.'”

In the Quran, in Surah At-Tin, an oath is taken upon the olive: “By the fig and the olive.”

In Surah Al-An’am of the Quran, it is stated: “It is He who sends down rain from the sky, and We produce thereby the growth of all things. We produce from it greenery from which We produce grains arranged in layers. And from the palm trees – of its emerging fruit are clusters hanging low. And [We produce] gardens of grapevines and olives and pomegranates, similar yet varied. Look at [each of] its fruit when it yields and [at] its ripening. Indeed in that are signs for a people who believe.”

Similarly, in Surah Al-Mu’minun, it is mentioned: “And [We brought forth] a tree issuing from Mount Sinai which produces oil and food for those who eat.”

In all the Sacred Scriptures of monotheistic religions, olives and olive oil are mentioned numerous times. This starts from the Old Testament: “The Lord called your name, ‘A green olive tree, beautiful in fruit and form.'”

In the Old Testament, it is also narrated that after Noah’s flood, to understand whether the waters on the earth had receded, he sent a dove, which returned with an olive leaf in its beak. This event symbolizes humanity’s reconciliation with both God and nature.

In Greek mythology, it is said that the olive tree was presented to humanity by the Goddess of Wisdom, Athena. Zeus promised the city of Athens to the god who would offer the most beneficial gift to humanity. Athena won this contest against Poseidon by planting the olive tree with her spear. Many artworks around the world depict this myth.

According to Herodotus, Athena’s olive trees were considered sacred and were protected by special rules. Harming these trees was considered a crime and was punished.

In another myth, it is narrated that Apollo and Artemis were born under an olive tree, and being born under the olive tree symbolized divine attributes. A similar belief exists in Roman myths. It is believed that Romulus and Remus, the founders of Rome, were also born under an olive tree, supporting the notion that they possessed divine qualities.