Olive Harvest Event at CIU

Each academic fall semester, the practical harvest carried out by Cyprus International University (CIU) students enrolled in the Subtropical and Tropical Plants course—taught within the curriculum under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Ahsen Işık Özgüven, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Technologies, Head of the Department of Plant Production and Technologies—was transformed this year from merely an agricultural activity into a joyful community celebration under the name Olive Harvest Festival.
Prof. Dr. Özgüven noted that from Spain to Greece, from Turkey to Tunisia, millions of people across the Mediterranean region accompany the abundance of the olive tree each year through events held in orchards. She explained, “In these festivals, where producers, gastronomy enthusiasts, tourists, and locals come together, traditional harvesting techniques are showcased, early-pressed olive oils are tasted, and regional folkloric performances as well as olive-themed workshops are organized.”
Highlighting that such events play a significant role in countries’ promotional strategies, Özgüven emphasized that they contribute both to passing down olive oil culture to future generations and to reviving rural tourism. “Olive harvest festivals are gaining increasing international value in terms of sustainable agriculture, local economy, and cultural unity,” she added.
Özgüven stated that the olive harvest for the 2025–2026 Academic Year was carried out with the participation of the entire university. She expressed her gratitude to Dr. Mine Erdal, advisor of the Agriculture Club, Prof. Dr. Mustafa Erayman, Asst. Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Ok, all faculty students, CIU staff, and Agriculture Club members. She continued: “During the event hosted by Mr. Özler Özuğurlu, Director of Agriculture and Livestock at Levent Group of Companies, Mr. Özuğurlu provided information to students about the company’s olive potential and harvesting practices. After receiving information in both English and Turkish, students proceeded to carry out the olive harvest.”
She concluded with the following message: “With the wish that concepts symbolized by the olive—such as abundance, wisdom, peace, prosperity, and immortality—continue to be passed on to future generations, may olive cultivation and olive products remain fruitful worldwide.”