Kazakhstan is the birthplace of all apples in the world -
Tour of Sievers apple trees in Ile-Alatau Park -
Sievers apple tree (Malus sieversii (Ledeb.) M. Roem.) is a wild apple tree, recognized as the progenitor of all modern varieties of apples. Its homeland is considered to be the southeast of Kazakhstan, especially the foothills and mountain slopes of the Trans-Ili Alatau, Dzhungarsky Alatau and Tien Shan. It is under the vigilant protection of the state of Kazakhstan in the Zhongar-Alatau National Park and Reserve. It is here, in the wild gorges and high-mountain meadows, that it has been growing in its natural environment for thousands of years. The largest tree of this apple tree also grows here. You can come here on an excursion and see this tree.
Sievers apple trees can reach a height of up to 10 meters, and their crown can be spreading and dense. The fruits of this apple tree are diverse in shape, color and taste - from sour and tart to sweet and juicy, from green and yellow to red and striped. Thanks to such genetic wealth, the Sievers apple tree is of great value to breeders and scientists around the world. This tree was first scientifically described in the 18th century by the German naturalist Johann Sievers, who took part in an expedition to Central Asia and was amazed by the diversity of wild apple trees. In his honor, the apple tree was named Malus sieversii.
The Sievers apple tree is of particular importance for Kazakhstan, because it is here that the largest tracts of wild apple forests have been preserved. Mountain slopes in the vicinity of Almaty region, especially in the area of Ile-Alatau National Park and Zhongar-Alatau National Park, are considered a gene bank of wild apple trees. These forests are living museums of nature and a gene pool of global significance. Unfortunately, in recent decades, the population of Sievers apple has been under threat. Deforestation, fires, expansion of agricultural lands and cities have led to a reduction in the habitat of this valuable tree. In response to this, Kazakhstan has begun to actively implement programs to preserve and restore apple forests, as well as to include Sievers apple in the Red Book.
Scientists from Kazakhstan, as well as international organizations, cooperate in the field of genetic study and selection based on Sievers apple to preserve this unique natural heritage. Today, Sievers apple is recognized not only as a biological symbol of Kazakhstan, but also as part of world cultural and agricultural history.
How to see and watch -
The Sievers apple tree (Malus sieversii) grows on the territory of the Ile-Alatau National Park within the city of Almaty and its foothills. The Sievers apple tree can be found in the Big Almaty Gorge, the Small Almaty Gorge, in the Turgen Gorge (Turgen). Also, the Sievers apple tree can be seen in most of the Almaty region and many regions of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Legends about the Sievers apple tree -
The legend of the apple of love
In ancient times, one poor shepherd fell in love with the daughter of a rich khan. Knowing that her heart was closed, he came to the mountains and found an unusual apple, the taste of which made anyone who ate it feel kindness and love. He brought it to the girl, and her heart melted. Since then, they say that apples from the Zhetysu mountains awaken feelings of love, kindness and harmony with nature.
The Legend of the Seed of Immortality
According to Kazakh legend, the Sievers apple tree appeared from a seed that fell from the sky. It was a "seed of immortality" given by the god Tengri so that people would remember their origins and not forget to thank the Earth for its fruits. The apple tree gave its first fruit in the area that later became the city of Almaty (from the word "alma" - apple).
The Legend of the Apple Tree-Guardian
The old people said that a spirit lives in the apple forests - the guardian of the apple tree. He protects the forest from evil people and rewards those who respect nature. If you approach the apple tree with good thoughts, the tree can give a healing fruit. And whoever eats this apple becomes healthy in both soul and body.
Alma-Ata (Almaty) - the city of apples
It is no coincidence that the capital of southern Kazakhstan, Almaty, was called Almaly - "apple" - in ancient times. This is direct evidence of how important apples were for local residents. To this day, in Almaty and its environs, you can find Sievers apple trees - both wild and cultivated descendants. Apples grow in people's yards both in the city and in country houses. Almost all people who have a country house have several apple trees growing on its territory. Every year, people harvest apples from these trees and eat them all winter, or make jam and give them to friends, or store them in cold cellars. Apples contain a lot of vitamins and minerals useful for the body, which are very necessary, for example, in the cold winter. Therefore, a sandwich of apple jam with bread and hot tea in winter makes the winter warmer. Local residents also make “kompot” (an apple sweet drink) from apples, which they then cool in the refrigerator and drink on hot summer days.
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