ICTV - The Olive Route (2013) Part 3. 27/03/2013 17:15:18

This Portfolio takes us on an unforgettable journey across the Mediterranean. From the Tuscan hillsides to the plains of Andalusia, from the cobbled streets of Athens to the shores of the Aegean, reaching the coasts of Asia Minor and the minarets of Istanbul, then passing through Palestine and Israel, without forgetting the islands of Sicily and Lesvos. We will discover the secrets of the olive tree, a symbol of life and spirit of peace in these Mediterranean regions since thousands of years. Our modern-day Odyssey takes us to beautiful towns and picturesque villages where ancient sites witness unforgettable rituals, all of which are linked in some way or other to the olive tree, to its culture and its trade. These celebrations represent the essence of its history and way of life and capture the beautiful allure of the Mediterranean Dream. At every stage along this journey, we will look for best olive oils, delicious recipes and unknown details of the Mediterranean diet. But the films will also cover agronomical, ecological and spiritual aspects. And we will bear in mind the symbolic value of the olive branch and the mythology behind it. The narrative of each film is build around a universal theme related to the olive culture and trade, brought to life by passionate characters whose everyday lives we will share and whose fabulous stories we will discover. For the very first time these regions and themes explored are knit together (in full HD) to create a comprehensive mosaic: the Olive Route, rich in detail, colourful in scope and astonishing in meaning. It is not simply a geographical path, but a bridge connecting people socially and passionately, beyond all races, beliefs and origins: it carves out the surprising heritage they have in common, the Olive Route creates a Med identity.

Part 3: Olive Groves in the Aegean

The Olive Route takes us this time across the high Aegean seas to Lesvos, in the Eastern Mediterranean. This Greek island with its beautiful houses and colourful streets will serve as the backdrop to the Greek part of our story. From there we cross to the shores of Anatolia to the region of Ayvalik, one of the picturesque centres of today's Turkish olive growing areas. Through the prism of olive trees, we shall take a close look at the notions of land, territory and historical roots in this region with a tumultuous past. In 1923 when Mustafa Kemal Atatrk rebuilt modern Turkey on the ashes of the Ottoman Empire, the Treaty of Lausanne ordered that all Muslims of Turkish decent who were living in Greece be exchanged with any Greek Christians living in Asia Minor. This population exchange of nearly two million people has left deep traces, many of which are still perceptible today. Fortunately one thing soothed the resulting pain and resentment: both Greeks and Turks had been growing olive trees since the olden days, providing a main source of survival and wealth. They lost their homes, but found new olive groves offering the livelihoods they needed. We relive this period through the eyes of two modern families: the Kiniklis on the Greek side and the Kursats on the Turkish one. Both families have suffered in different ways since the loss of their home in the 20's… And we will have a look at what it means for them today, when olive trees seem to remain loyal to men and their earth, regardless of their religion, of their wealth or of the flag that flies above them.