Abstract:

Liquidambar orientalis (Styrax) is a wise pharmacist and a witness from the geological eras to present. It is known that this endemic heritage, also known as “Sığla Tree” or “Günlük Tree” in Anatolia, heals the wounds by crying, i.e. with the drops of its own tears, and the oil obtained from the drops is an opportunity of income for the people for centuries. Styrax oil-filled amphorae found in the sunk Phoenician ships show that the Styrax oil trade started from the days of Phoenicians and had an important role in the Mediterranean trade. The trade of Styrax oil, the essence of which was used in the mummification process in Egypt and as a perfume by Cleopatra the most famous Queen of the Ancient Egypt, pursued by Ali Pasha, the Khedive of Egypt and the husband of Mihrişah Sultan, the sister of Süleyman the Magnificent. Despite the decrease of its volume, the Styrax oil trade is pursuing today. The Styrax oil was used for healing the wounds of the circumcised children, as pills mixed with honey to heal the ulcer and also in healing of the burns, eczemas and psoriasis. In order to get rid of the evil eye its incense form is used, which adds mystic to the oil. In this study, historical and commercial story of an endemic plant of Anatolia, the Sığla Tree which is at risk of extinction, is investigated.

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