Ethnobotany and archaeobotany significance of Oriental hackberry (Celtis tournefortii Lam.) in Anatolia: From Neolithic traditions to modern applications

Abstract

Background: Oriental hackberry (Celtis tournefortii Lam.) is a scattered tree species that generally exhibits a sparse distribution across various regions of Türkiye. Oriental hackberry is a tree species occurring in the natural flora of Anatolia and has been considered valuable throughout history in terms of nutrition, health, and cultural significance. This review study focuses on the ethnobotanical significance of the Oriental hackberry, which is a vital species particularly in arid and semi-arid areas.

Methods: In this study, archaeobotanical and ethnobotanical information related to Oriental hackberry -an ecologically significant species that lives in scattered form in nature and serves as a bridge between the past and the future- was compiled from printed sources. In addition, some ethnobotanical information obtained from field observations was also included.

Results: Archaeobotanical findings indicate that the fruits of this rare tree have been utilized as a food source in the Anatolian geography since ancient times, a tradition that persists to the present day. It is valued in agricultural areas as a boundary tree between farmland and for its shade. Furthermore, its fruits and leaves are traditionally utilized for medicinal purposes. In certain regions, the tree is accorded special cultural value and is protected with great diligence.

Conclusions: This research aims to compile various folk botanical (ethnobotanical) information about the Oriental hackberry before it is lost.

Keywords: Ethnobotany; Archaeobotany, Celtis tournefortii, Oriental hackberry, Anatolia