Prof. Dr. Aysun Bay shed light on the cultural and religious role of plants.

Prof. Dr. Aysun Bay, who has made significant contributions to the field of botany, emphasized the cultural, religious, and ecological importance of plants. She explained how plants carry symbolic meanings in various cultures, from Turkish Shamanism to Jewish traditions, and from Ural-Altai cultures to Central Asian shamanistic beliefs.

Professor Aysun Bay stated that the ‘Tree of Life’, known in Turkish and Altai cultures, is regarded as the center of the universe. She expressed that this sacred tree is considered a symbol that connects the sky and the earth, emphasizing that among the Altai Turks, the Tree of Life, which guides shamans in their spiritual journeys, is also referred to as the ‘Iron Tree’. Prof. Dr. Bay noted that this belief bears similarity to the umbilical cord in a mother’s womb and symbolizes the fundamental connection of life.

Gargat Tree: Cultural and Religious Significance

Prof. Dr. Bay mentioned that the Gargat tree, which is considered sacred in Jewish and Islamic cultures, is also known as the olive tree. She highlighted that this tree, which is commonly found in the Middle East and North Africa, holds significant importance in both Jewish and Islamic cultures. Stating that olive, referred to as a ‘blessed plant’ in the Quran, offers numerous health benefits, Bay emphasized the importance of increasing olive cultivation in Turkey.

Tree of Life in Ural-Altai Cultures

According to Prof. Dr. Bay, in Ural-Altai cultures, the Tree of Life is symbolized particularly by the notches made on the branches of the beech tree. She stated that these trees are used to ascend to the sky and connect with universal consciousness. Bay pointed out that Altai shamans use the Tree of Life as a transition point in their trance journeys and expressed that each layer of the Tree of Life in the sky carries a different meaning.

World Mountain and Rebirth

Prof. Dr. Bay explained that in Asian shamanistic traditions, the Tree of Life is associated with the ‘World Mountain’, where souls wait as small birds on the branches of this tree after death. She indicated that this symbolism is regarded as a natural part of the cycle between life and death.

Health Benefits of Olive

Prof. Dr. Bay discussed the countless health benefits of the olive tree. She noted that olive has been widely used in traditional medicine for its antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties, particularly highlighting that olive oil is an indispensable source in terms of both culinary and health aspects.

Protection of Plants and Transmission to Future Generations

Prof. Dr. Aysun Bay emphasized that the meanings of plants should be preserved not only biologically but also culturally and religiously. She pointed out that transmitting these plants to future generations is of great importance for the continuation of cultural heritage and stressed the necessity of protecting and disseminating plants.