Scientific and varietal section
Al Mehras
Country
Jordan
Use
Oil
Continental distribution
Asia
A Jordanian variety linked to the ancient origins of cultivated olive trees
Al Mehras is a historic olive variety linked to Jordan and to the olive-growing landscapes of the eastern Mediterranean. Its presence recalls one of the oldest areas in the domestication and spread of the olive tree, where cultivation has acquired agricultural, cultural and symbolic value over time.
The variety is associated with the area of Maysar, in the territory of Al-Hashemiya, near Ajloun, and represents a genetic heritage of great interest for the history of Mediterranean olive growing. In this context, Al Mehras bears witness to the continuity between ancient olive trees, rural communities and the memory of the landscape.
Within the Gardens of Peace, Al Mehras represents Jordan and tells of the relationship between biodiversity, the roots of the eastern Mediterranean and responsibility in the conservation of historic olive varieties.
Identity and synonyms
Al Mehras, often also referred to as Mehras or linked to the denomination Al-Mihrass, is a historic Jordanian cultivar associated with very old olive trees and with an agricultural heritage deeply rooted in the territory.
The variety is considered one of the oldest and most significant genetic resources of the eastern Mediterranean area. Its value is not limited to production, but also concerns the history of the spread of cultivated olive trees and the relationship between local varieties, communities and landscape.
Geographical distribution
The distribution of Al Mehras is mainly linked to Jordan, especially to the northern territories and the Ajloun area, where the olive tree is an integral part of the agricultural landscape and rural culture.
Within the Asian and Middle Eastern context, the variety bears witness to the role of the Levant and the eastern Mediterranean as a fundamental area for the history of olive growing and for the conservation of ancient olive genotypes.
Agronomic and commercial considerations
Al Mehras is an oil variety of particular interest for its genetic, historical and agronomic value. Its presence in traditional environments of the eastern Mediterranean connects it to agricultural systems capable of preserving ancient varieties adapted to their territory over time.
The agronomic interest of the cultivar concerns above all its relationship with local biodiversity, the rusticity of historic olive trees and the possibility of studying traits useful for the resilience of crops in Mediterranean environments subject to climatic and water stress.
From a commercial point of view, Al Mehras has mainly identity and cultural value. Its importance lies in its capacity to represent an oil linked to an ancient history, a specific territory and a narrative of authenticity, conservation and origin.
Territorial presence and cultural value of the variety
Al Mehras is linked to a landscape in which the olive tree is not only a crop, but a historic presence accompanying generations, villages, agricultural practices and family memory. The ancient olive trees of Jordan tell of a deep relationship between land, time and community.
Within the framework of the Gardens of Peace, this variety represents Jordan through an agricultural heritage of great symbolic strength: an olive tree that speaks of origin, continuity, biodiversity and responsibility towards the common roots of Mediterranean civilisation.
Cultural and symbolic section
Al Mehras in The Garden of Peace project
Al Mehras represents Jordan in the varietal collection of the Gardens of Peace. It brings into the project the ancient memory of the olive tree in the eastern Mediterranean, the value of historic olive trees and the deep meaning of shared roots that unite peoples, landscapes and cultures.
The olive tree as an ancient root of the eastern Mediterranean
In The Garden of Peace project, Al Mehras evokes Jordan and one of the oldest areas in the history of cultivated olive trees. Its presence connects the Garden to the memory of the Levant, where the olive tree has accompanied civilisations, villages and rural communities for generations.
This variety becomes a sign of origin and continuity: an olive tree that tells of the relationship between land, time, human labour and landscape, transforming an agricultural root into a universal language of belonging.
Biodiversity and dialogue among shared roots
Al Mehras reminds us that olive biodiversity is not only an agricultural heritage, but also a shared memory. Historic varieties preserve traces of migrations, exchanges, adaptations and relationships among neighbouring territories.
In the Gardens of Peace, this variety dialogues with the other olive trees as a symbol of biodiversity that goes beyond borders: each cultivar carries a local story, while together they all tell of the possibility of recognising one another through common roots.
Education, peace and responsibility
Discovering Al Mehras means approaching a variety that speaks of origin, memory and guardianship. Its value invites us to look at the olive tree not only as a productive plant, but as a living witness to history, biodiversity and culture.
In the Gardens of Peace, the presence of Al Mehras invites visitors to recognise their responsibility towards ancient varieties and the landscapes that preserve them, transforming knowledge into respect, dialogue and a culture of peace.
The varietal collection of The Garden of Peace brings together the 28 olive varieties represented in the Gardens of Peace around the world. Each Garden may host a specific selection from this collection.