In the heart of the lush green landscapes of Ajloun Governorate, the "Al-Mihras" olive tree stands tall—a living witness to the region's deep agricultural and heritage roots. It has become a natural landmark attracting visitors and ecotourism enthusiasts from across the Kingdom.
اضافة اعلان
Al-Mihras olives represent a rare agricultural and heritage treasure with historical, environmental, and tourism dimensions. Experts view these trees as a genuine opportunity to bolster sustainable ecotourism and local development.
Cultural Memory and Identity
Eng. Seitan Al-Sarhan, Director of Agriculture in Ajloun, emphasized that Al-Mihras trees are part of the inherited agricultural memory in mountain villages. Beyond their production, their value lies in their social impact, as they are linked to collective harvest seasons and rural customs that strengthen the spirit of cooperation and belonging to the land.
Samer Freihat, Director of Culture in Ajloun, noted that Al-Mihras serves as a crucial documentation of the "memory of place and people," being a firm element in local folklore, celebrations, and agricultural seasons.
Scientific Significance and Genetic Superiority
Dr. Nizar Haddad, former Director General of the National Agricultural Research Center (NARC), highlighted that Al-Mihras is one of the oldest genetic olive lineages in the Mediterranean basin.
Genetic Mapping: Studies show that Al-Mihras is genetically the "ancestor" or the closest relative to olive varieties in Spain, Italy, and Cyprus.
Climate Resilience: Its genetic fingerprint reveals a unique ability to adapt to climate change and harsh environments while maintaining superior oil quality.
Nutritional Quality: Chemical analysis shows high levels of oleic acid (up to 70%) and polyphenols, providing high nutritional value and resistance to oxidation.
High Yield: The oil content in Al-Mihras fruits can reach 30%, among the highest rates globally.
Global Recognition and Tourism
Nawal Shawashreh, Acting Director of Antiquities in Ajloun, stated that the inclusion of the Al-Mihras olive tree on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity is a national achievement. This status highlights the region as the home of original olive strains and promotes its inclusion in environmental and heritage tourism trails.
Eng. Rami Al-Adwan, an agricultural expert, noted that these "Roman" (perennial) trees in the Al-Hashimiyya area reflect centuries of human connection to the land. Despite their age—ranging from 800 to 3,500 years—they continue to produce significant quantities annually.
Sustainable Development and Future Vision
Local community leaders and researchers, including Ali Al-Salem and Rabia Al-Momani, called for the establishment of specialized associations to protect these trees. Eng. Ebtehal Al-Smadi urged for integrated environmental and tourism policies, such as developing interpretive trails and eco-friendly infrastructure to raise visitor awareness.
From a visual perspective, nature photographer Mohammad Al-Za’areer described the trees as a prime destination for photography enthusiasts, especially during spring and autumn, where the greenery harmonizes with the mountainous terrain to offer a unique spiritual and visual experience.
