Important Products of Antiquity (3)

Another important product of the economy was the cedar tree (sedir ağacı), found in abundance in Phoenicia (Lebanon), a tree already known more than 5,000 years ago. This tree had a spiritual meaning in many of the old cultures of the Middle East. For the Sumerians it was regarded as the 'Tree of Life', which also symbolized power, secret wisdom, mysticism and immortality.

For the nations of Mesopotamia the cedar was the tree of belief, of intelligence and of magic.

Cedar was exported to countries such as Egypt, Greece and others across the Mediterranean. The resin of this tree was used to mummify the Pharaohs of Egypt.

Cedar is very famous for its aroma and its resistance, because it does not rot and resists worms.

Ships and important buildings were made from this tree. The Beth ha Mikdash (Temple) was built with this tree, which King Hiram of Tyre sent from Phoenicia to King Solomon.

The Romans used this tree above all in the important buildings of the Empire. The famous Temple of Artemis at Ephesus, one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world, was also built with it. In history, cedar oil was known as a medicine for coughs, for urinating, for calming the nerves, for the stomach, against the smell of sweat and for massage. Today cedar honey is also sold at quite a high price.

Finally, an article that was important in the economy of antiquity was saffron. Its trade began 4,000 years ago.

It is said that to obtain one kilo of saffron at least 150,000 flowers are needed for their stamens, which is why it was and is sold very dear.

The Greeks and Romans of antiquity used saffron as a deodorant and for offerings to the gods. The Persians used saffron as a dye and as medicine, and it is said that it could serve as an aphrodisiac.

The word saffron comes from the word for yellow, which in Arabic is 'asfar'.

The saffron plant, which is yellow, is called 'zaferan' in Arabic. In Mardin there is a monastery of the Assyrians (Süryanis), still active today, called 'Dar ül Zaferan' (the yellow house).

The French called 'asfar' safran, and safran was adopted by many countries as the name of this plant.

Safranbolu is the name of the town in Turkey where saffron is grown. The town is also famous for its typical wooden houses.