“The mastic tree’s deep roots and resilience remind us of the enduring strength
of women—they stabilize, they nurture, and they rebuild.”
— Yeşim Yüksel, Çeşme Agricultural Cooperative Leader

By Aylin Yardımcı, PhD

The mastic tree, or Pistacia lentiscus, embodies quiet resilience. For centuries, it has weathered the relentless summer sun along the coasts of the Aegean Sea, standing strong against drought and erosion. With its gnarled branches and waxy leaves, it stabilizes soil and produces a precious resin highly valued in medicine, food, and cosmetics. Beyond its ecological and economic importance, the mastic tree symbolizes persistence—a quality mirrored by the women of Hatay following the devastating earthquakes of February 2023.


The Çeşme-Hatay Mastic Tree Bridge Project took shape after a webinar by the Assembly of Turkish American Associations (ATAA), celebrating Çeşme’s rich culinary heritage as well as Turkish gastronomy. During the event, Yeşim Yüksel, a leader in the Çeşme Agricultural Cooperative, shared her vision: planting 101 mastic saplings from Çeşme in Hatay to commemorate the Turkish Republic’s 101st anniversary. “The mastic tree’s deep roots and strength remind me of women,” Yeşim said. “They endure, they stabilize, and they nurture.” Her words resonated deeply with Dallas-based Bridge to Türkiye Fund (BTF) volunteer Pelin Hoşkan, who had been working closely with families in Hatay affected by the earthquakes.
These saplings would not merely be trees—they would stand as symbols of hope, healing, and empowerment for a region rebuilding from devastation.

Why Mastic Trees?
The mastic tree thrives in Mediterranean climates, enduring where other plants falter. Its ability to resist drought, stabilize soil, and foster biodiversity makes it an environmental lifeline. Research confirms that the conditions in Hatay closely mirror those in Çeşme, making it an ideal region for cultivating mastic trees. In Hatay, where earthquakes exposed both ecological and human fragility, introducing this resilient tree was both a scientifically sound and symbolic choice.
Economically, the mastic resin holds significant potential. Highly sought after for its medicinal and aromatic properties, it provides a sustainable income for communities. By cultivating mastic trees, the Çeşme-Hatay Bridge Project envisions not just environmental restoration but also long-term economic opportunity, especially for women who play a central role in resin harvesting and tree care.

Planting Seeds of Empowerment
Initially, the project’s goal was modest: planting 101 mastic trees to honor the Turkish Republic’s 101st anniversary. But with the enthusiasm of BTF’s community and partners, the vision quickly expanded. “To truly build a true bridge between Çeşme and Hatay, we needed more than symbolism,” Pelin said. “We needed hundreds of mastic trees.”
The Çeşme Agricultural Cooperative provided the saplings, while Mustafa Kemal University in Hatay offered expertise to ensure their survival. Local women’s cooperatives embraced the opportunity to participate, and organizations like the Payda Association and the Hatay Provincial Directorate of Agriculture pledged support for planting logistics and training.
For women in Hatay, many of whom lost homes and livelihoods, the project offers a chance to rebuild. Pelin recalled meeting a grieving mother who had lost her child. “She embraced the idea of adopting mastic trees for her garden,” Pelin said. “I’ll care for them like they’re my own children,” she told me. That moment captured the essence of the project—bringing hope to those who feel lost.”

Beyond 101: A Growing Legacy
The initial goal of planting 101 trees has expanded significantly. Over 200 saplings have already been transported to Hatay, with plans for hundreds more. The Çeşme Agricultural Cooperative is enhancing its infrastructure by developing new databases to manage this growing initiative.
Beyond planting saplings, this project seeks to build lasting connections—between regions, between people, and between past resilience and future growth. The mastic tree stands as a bridge, symbolizing the enduring strength of Çeşme and Hatay while uniting Turkish and Turkish-American communities in a shared purpose.

Why Your Support Matters
For $50, you can sponsor a sapling, covering its cultivation, transport to Hatay, and training for its care. These trees will help sequester carbon, prevent erosion, and create sustainable income opportunities through resin harvesting.
Imagine Hatay as a hub for eco-tourism and sustainable agriculture, with mastic trees standing as a testament to resilience. Each tree represents not only environmental restoration but also a chance for economic renewal and human connection.
Join the Legacy
This project intertwines ecological restoration with the promise of renewed livelihoods and community resilience. Each sapling tells a story of survival, solidarity, and renewal, standing tall as a symbol of hope. Supporting the Çeşme-Hatay Mastic Tree Bridge means planting the seeds of a future rooted in growth, connection, and enduring strength.
Let future generations remember this as a defining moment—when we came together to heal and rebuild. Your contribution today will help cultivate a legacy of renewal and resilience. Together, we are growing something extraordinary. ■

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