Turquazz Article: We Are Wine and History
One of the world’s first empires, the Assyrian Empire (circa 2500 BC – 609 BC) spanned the periods of the Early to Middle Bronze Age through to the late Iron Age. Their empire covered vast territory including areas of modern day Turkey, Iran, Iraq, and Syria. In addition to being a great military power, the Assyrians were talented artists (particularly sculpture and jewelry making), astronomers, and were believed to use technology like telescopes and magnifying glasses. They were also great lovers of wine.
60+ year old Kerküş vine
During their heyday, records from their time show the expansive planting of vines, especially around Nineveh in Turkey’s southeast. They [Assyrians] were renowned for their vines and wines and extended plantings wherever they conquered. Origin myths about vineyards and wine cited in sacred books are supported with archeological data in the geographical region. Archeological and genetic evidence places one of the many wild vine varieties – perhaps vitis vinifera – in the fertile crescent (Zagros, the name of the crescent-shaped geography of the Taurus, Amanos and Lebanon mountains). The Turabdın region of northern Mesopotamia indicates that some of the oldest cultured/domesticated grape seedlings identified as vitis vinifera were recovered there.
Assyrians of old were a polytheistic people and used wine in worship of many of their gods including their national god Ashur; Nanna, god of the moon; Ishtar, goddess of fertility; Ninurta, god of agriculture; and many more. Its importance went beyond use for religious rites, ceremonies, and feasts. In addition to being produced for regular consumption, wine was a major part of the Assyrian economy. It was so valued that vineyard land cost more than forty times that of any other agricultural land during this period. Moreover, legal penalties could be levied against people for “human stupidity” crimes, such as trampling vines.
The Assyrian population in Turkey has dwindled to only roughly 15,000. And while they may have lost the empire, they have not lost their traditions.
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