Let’s grow up together ADRIATIC OLIVEGROVE Agricultural University of Tirana European Union The project is co-funded by the European Union,Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance(IPA) The Adriatic olive-grove (AOGRPSL) 245 OLIVE IN ECONOMY, AESTHETICS AND PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION October 2014 Let’s grow up together ADRIATIC OLIVEGROVE Agricultural University of Tirana European Union The project is co-funded by the European Union, Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance(IPA) The Adriatic olive-grove (AOGRPSL) 245 OLIVE IN ECONOMY, AESTHETICS AND PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION Publication financed by: IPA Cross Border Cooperation Programme 2007 - 2013 The project: The Adriatic Olive-Grove (AOGRPSL) 245 Prepared by: Bari Hodaj, Etleva Muça, Belul Gixhari Anila Kopali, Aljula Gjeloshi, Nertila Arapaj Scientific Editing: Valdete Vorpsi Natasha Hodaj Layout and printing: Print West www.westprint-al.com Eduard Vathi The present study was supported by IPA Adriatic Programme. Project: Adriatic olive-grove (AOGRPSL) 245 Responsible Partner: Agriculture University of Tirana Approved in the Departament of Economocs and Rural Development Policies Tirana, October 2014 Foreword The Agricultural University of Tirana is an important academic and scientific center which contributes to the solution of important socio- economic problems in the Albanian society. The Agricultural University of Tirana in collaboration with national and international academic and scientific institutions has realized numerous studies, one of the studies performed is “The role of olive oil in the Albanian alimentary consumption model”. The study is focused on consumption preferences to have a standartized olive oil as much as on the promotion and enhancement of typical variety of olives. The object of the study is a contemporary discussion which affects the interests of a wide range of the general public. Currently there is a wide range of high quality imported olive oil varieties with a consolidated reputation in the market. Which raises the question of the strugle of the Albanian product image in national and international markets despite the well known good quality. The Agricultural university of Tirana has continuosly encouraged and supported its academic and scientific researchers to deliver studies that not only will provide an improved quality of the olive oil but also find the causes of the actual condition of the olive cultivation. The favourable nature with its mediteranian climate is optimal for the cultivation and growth of thoudand years old local varieties, varieties which have been wonderfully adapted in centuries from our predecessors. We are responsible not only for the promotion and valorization of the varieties of the product in national and international markets but also for the improvement of life conditions of the rural communities of our nation. The standartization of olive oil and the promotion of the awareness of the Albanian consumer towards quality olive oil will contribute to the increase in consumption of oil and health improvement of the Albanian consumers. This will be the driver towards a mediterrenian diet. In addition the promotion of nutrition plans will help in the depiction of life quality and life expectancy indicators in the Albanian population, aswell as in lowering the incidence of cardiovascular and cancerogean pathologies. Finally hoping that this study will not be the last but will be followed by many others. I think that the issued recommendations should be taken into consideration and further analysed by representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture and the Rural Development & Water Administration, as well as representatives from the Ministry of Health, as health concerns us all and all of us should take care of it. Stady of "Olive and its products in Albanian history and art" is a step forward in acquiring and sharing of knowledge on the influence of olive in art and history. The methodology followed is to first collect data and facts, starting from its origin, distribution, its diversity and adaptation of this tree in the Albanian territory from ancient times to today; its allocation and productivity, in different regions of the country and how after it left a strong trail of its symbol in religion, myths and culture tradition, folklore and entertainment The olive symbol has accompanied the history of forts, touristic cities or significant landscapes over the years, this peace symbol seems becoming once again a distinguishing character in the artistic wood works. Therefore, by knowing better this tree we can gain knowledge of unknown data and facts of the Albanian history. Rector Prof. Dr. Fatos HARIZAJ TABLE OF CONTENT SUMMARY........................................................................................11 Country Presentation...........................................................................13 CHAPTER I THE HISTORY OF OLIVE PRODUCTION IN ALBANIA......15 1.1 Evolution of the olive tree from antiquity to nowadays..............15 1.2 The history of olive in Albania.......................................................18 1.3 Olive Grove in 1945 -1990.............................................................25 1.4. Olive trees after '90.......................................................................30 1.5 The territorial distribution of the olive in Albania........................31 1.6 Olive in archaeological records.....................................................33 CHAPTER II OLIVE IN MYTHOLOGY AND ART....................................36 2.1 Mythology and symbolism of the olive.........................................36 2.2 Definition and meaning of the olive branch as a Christian symbol........37 2.3 Myths and traditions of the Albanians.........................................40 2.4 Olive in popular culture and art....................................................54 2.5 Olive in folklore.............................................................................55 2.6 Olive in art.....................................................................................58 CHAPTER III OLIVE GROVES CONDITION IN THE REGIONS...............62 3.1 Extension of olive groves...............................................................62 3.2 Specific data on olive groves of each region.................................64 3.2.1 Region of Tirana........................................................................64 3.2.2 Region of Vlora..........................................................................66 3.2.3 Region of Fieri...........................................................................68 5 3.2.4 Region of Berati.................................................................................69 3.2.5 Region of Elbasan...............................................................................70 3.2.6 Region of Durres................................................................................72 3.2.7 Region of Lezha..................................................................................72 3.2.8 Region of Shkodra.............................................................................73 3.2.9 Region of Gjirokaster.........................................................................74 3.3 Distribution of the varieties or geographical structure by area..........74 3.4 Olive cultivars......................................................................................78 3.5 Different types of olives in Albania......................................................80 CHAPTER IV THE HISTORY OF OLIVE OIL PRODUCTION IN ALBANIA....86 4.1 Background of the olive oil production................................................86 4.2 The processing of the olive oil in antiquity..........................................86 4.3 Current situation of oil mills................................................................89 4.4 Modern processing of olives.................................................................93 4.5 Condition of olive processing industry.................................................95 4.6 The membership in IOC (International Council of Olive and Olive Oil)......99 CHAPTER V THE HISTORY OF THE OLIVE GROVES IN THE HISTORY OF CASTLES IN TIRANA AND VLORA.........................................100 5.1 The history of the olive groves in the history of castles in Tirana and Vlora.......................................................................................100 5.2 History of olive and of some forts in the areas of Tirana and of Vlora...102 5.2.1 The castle of Petrelë.........................................................................102 5.2.2 The castle of Preza, Tirane...............................................................103 5.2.3 Fortress of Varosh (Ndroq).............................................................104 5.2.4 Fortress of Kanina (Vlore)..............................................................106 5.3 Olives in tourism and landscape........................................................107 6 5.4 The olive wood and use of its products........................................108 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS....................109 Environment protection and olive growing.......................................109 BIBLIOGRAPHY..............................................................111 CHAPTER VI STUDY ON CURRENT SITUATION OF USE OF OLIVE OIL IN MEDITERRANEAN COUNTRIES.......................................133 6.1 Production of olive oil compared to other Mediterranean countries.....134 6.2 Consumption