The Oldest Olive Tree in the World Is in Greece, Not in Palestine
The Claim
A photo shows the oldest olive tree in the world, in Jerusalem.
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Social media users circulated a photo purporting to show the oldest olive tree in the world.
According to users, the tree is located in Jerusalem and is believed to be approximately 3,000 years old. Remarkably, it continues to bear fruit to this day.
Misbar’s Analysis
Misbar investigated the circulating photo and found it to be misleading.
The Oldest Olive Tree Is in Greece
Misbar team's investigation led to a 2022 Greek Reporter's published article, which featured the same photo and discussed the true location of the oldest olive tree in the world, in Greece.
The website's Facebook page shared the same circulating photo in November 2020, with a caption stating, "This ancient olive tree in Crete is an incredible 3000 years old. It is possible that Minoan hands once gathered olives from the tree at Ano Vouves near Chania."
The photo is credited to Tjareborg.
Magical Greece, a Facebook page, also shared the same photo in December 2020. The caption accompanying the photo states, "The world's oldest olive tree in #Greece. This Olive tree in Crete island is 3500 years Old!"
According to reports, the oldest olive tree in the world is situated in the village of Ano Vouves in Kissamos, Chania, Crete. This ancient tree has been confirmed by the international scientific community to be 3,000 years old.
The impressive olive tree in Vouves boasts a trunk with a circumference of 12.5 meters (41 feet) and a diameter of 4.6 meters (15 feet). It belongs to the local tree variety called Tsounati and was grafted at a height of three meters onto a wild olive tree.
Palestine Olive Trees: More Than Just a Tree
Olive trees hold immense significance in the lives of Palestinians, surpassing mere economic value. These trees are not just ordinary foliage; they symbolize the deep-rooted attachment of Palestinians to their land. As they are resilient and able to thrive in harsh soil conditions, olive trees epitomize Palestinian resistance and endurance. The fact that they can live and bear fruit for thousands of years mirrors the historical continuity of Palestinians on their land.
Olive trees carry a profound sense of pride for Palestinians, who tend to them with great care and appreciation. Some of the world's oldest olive trees can be found in Palestine, and many families have inherited these trees for generations.
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