ANALYSIS OF OIL YIELD AND FATTY ACID PROFILES IN OLIVE CULTIVARS FROM ŞIRNAK, SOUTHEASTERN ANATOLIA

The olive tree (Olea europaea L.) has held a symbolic and cultural significance in the Mediterranean region, deeply intertwined with the histories of civilizations around the basin. Southeastern Anatolia is notably recognized as the olive tree's region of origin and a primary gene center, as proposed by various researchers [1]. Recent studies in the Hatay, Kahramanmaraş, and Mardin regions have further substantiated this perspective, revealing that the highest diversity of olive tree sub-species is concentrated within this area. This concentration of sub-species in Southeastern Anatolia underscores its pivotal role in preserving olive tree genetic diversity, highlighting the importance of this region for olive tree conservation and research