The common grape vine (Vitis vinifera) is native to the Mediterranean region, Central Europe, and southwestern Asia. The earliest evidence of domesticated grapes has been found in in southeastern Georgia, and were dated to about 6000 BC. Additionally, the first winery is located in Armenia, dating back to 4100 BC. In addition to these findings, the earliest written record of grapes comes from a Sumerian text, the Epic of Gilgamesh, in the 3000s BC [1].
Grapes grow best in well-drained, sandy soil, and they don’t like much organic content. If grown in soil that is too fertile, the vines will grow too quickly without producing fruit. They also require full-sun, and prefer to be planted on a slope to increase airflow between the leaves. The sunny, sandy, mountainous terrain of the Middle East provides the perfect conditions for the cultivation of grapes [2].
Cultural Relevance of Grapes
As one of the most abundantly grown crops in the ancient Middle East, grapes played a major role in both the economy and daily life of people living during this time. In addition to the first written record of grapes coming from the Sumerian Epic of Gilgamesh during the 3000s BC, there are also various examples of Ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics regarding the importance – and the exclusivity – of wine for priests, state functions, and the pharaoh [1].
In addition to their culinary and religious value, grapes and grape products were also used for various medicinal and everyday purposes in the ancient Middle East. Grapes were thought to aid in digestion, fever reduction, and energy generation. They were also used as laxatives and diuretics, and were thought to purify the blood and help with respiratory issues. Grape leaves and vine extracts were also used for wound healing and anti-inflammatory treatments, and the sap was believed to treat both eye infections and skin conditions. Grape seeds were frequently crushed for their oil, which was used for cosmetic purposes, along with grape skins and leaves, which were used in facial treatments to cleanse and tone the skin. Grape vines were also essential for weaving and rope-making due to their strong tendrils that could be easily woven into baskets, mats and ropes. These fibers were also used to bind bundles of reeds for construction, they were used in woodworking projects, and they served as fuel for cooking and heating [1].
Grapes, grape vines, and grape products also play an important role in many other ancient and modern religions, including Ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman Mythology, Zoroastrianism, Christianity, Judaism, Islam, and more.
Ancient Egypt
In ancient Egypt, wine was frequently offered to the gods as part of daily rituals or major festivals. Additionally, there are various funerary texts and tomb paintings depicting wine as a gift to those who have entered the afterlife. It was believed that wine would be eternally available in the Field of Reeds, the Egyptian version of paradise, for the righteous to enjoy in the afterlife. Grapes and grapevines also appeared in tomb paintings, likely symbolizing prosperity, abundance, and renewal. Hathor, the goddess of love, joy, music, and intoxication was also worshiped with festivals that involved the drinking of wine, and Shesmu, the god of wine, perfume, and slaughter, was said to have a dual nature – he was a benevolent provider of wine, but also an avenger who crushed the heads of enemies like grapes in a wine press.
Ancient Greek & Rome
Ancient Greek and Roman traditions also involved the use of wine, for a variety of reasons. Both the Greeks and Romans worshiped Dionysus and Bacchus, respectively, as the god of wine, pleasure, and ritual madness. In one Greek myth, Dionysus was said to have given the first wine to Icharius, who shared with his fellow villagers and was later killed when they thought he had poisoned them. There are various other Greek and Roman myths, rituals, and festivals that involved the use of wine, including the roman festivals of Bacchanalia and Liberalia. In these cultures, wine frequently symbolized both joy and madness, the fermentation process symbolized life, death, and rebirth, and grapes symbolized agricultural production and the advancement of human society and culture.
Judaism
In the Tanakh (Hebrew Bible), grapevines are mentioned 55 times, grapes are mentioned 55 times, and wine is mentioned 19 times. Grapes are considered to be one of the Seven Species of the Land of Israel, and are symbolic of the Israelites as being God’s chosen people. The book of Isaiah even gives a detailed description of the maintenance of vineyards in Ancient Israel. Wine is also central to many Jewish religious ceremonies, including Kiddush, Passover, and Havdalah.
Christianity
As a religion that has primarily spawned from Judaism, grapes are also important to Christianity and Christian rituals. During communion, wine symbolizes the blood of Christ, as stated by Jesus himself at the Last Supper. Many of Jesus’ parables also involve vineyards, likely due to their importance in the region. Additionally, the grape vine and its branches are frequently used as a metaphor to represent Christ and his believers, emphasizing the importance of staying attached to Christ (the vine) in order to achieve personal and spiritual growth for the believer (the branch).
Islam
Grapes are less important in Islam than the other Abrahamic religions, but they do still maintain religious significance in a variety of ways. While alcoholic consumption is prohibited in the Qur’an, it does still acknowledge the benefits of wine. Additionally, grapes and rivers of non-intoxicating wine are described as rewards in Jannah (Paradise). Grapes are also frequently mentioned a one of Allah’s blessings to humanity. And, although not written in the Qur’an, traditional Islamic medicine also discusses the medicinal properties of grapes, including their use for digestion, detoxification, and overall vitality.
The cultivation of Grapes has been described in great detail throughout history. In the Tanakh (or the Christian Old Testament), the book of Isaiah describes how ancient vineyards were maintained, and although these passages are largely metaphorical, they likely contain some semblance of truth. It is also known that vineyards were planted on hillsides and terraces to prevent soil erosion and allow for airflow between leaves, a condition that allows grapevines to thrive [3].
Today, vineyards are typically recognized by their long, linear rows of grapes held up by trellises or wooden poles. Although wooden poles and trellises were also common for grape cultivation in the ancient Middle East, the linear planting style is a relatively new practice. Planting grapes in a north-south orientation allows for maximized sunlight, although a northeast-southeast is also useful for areas with too much sun, as this can help prevent the leaves from becoming sunburnt [2].
Grapes for Food
Grapes can be eaten fresh (either ripe or unripe), and they can be dried to create raisins, sultanas, and currants, which are frequently used in Middle Eastern deserts. Grape leaves are also used in various cultural dishes around the world, including in the Middle East. Grapes are also frequently used to make juice, sauces and spreads, syrups, and other culinary products, including vinegar and wine [1].
Grapes for Wine
Wine has been produced in the Middle East for thousands of years, as is evident from the abundance of archaeological remains of grape presses. Grapes were harvested and then pressed to create juice, which was then fermented into wine. Although this was prohibited in the Muslim faith, Zoroastrian, Jewish, and Christian communities continued to produce and sell wine to sustain their communities, even after the age of Islamic conquest. This is especially true for Christian monasteries across Iraq, Syria, Palestine, and Egypt, who became some of the most well-known wine producers in the region. Today, the production of wine is much more advanced, and remains important to countries like Lebanon, Israel, and Turkey. It is, however, still prohibited in certain areas, including Iran and Saudi Arabia, due to their more strict adherence to Shari’a law [4].
Middle Eastern Grape Recipes
Warak Enab, or stuffed grape leaves, is a Lebanese dish where grape leaves are stuffed with a mixture of rice, herbs, and sometimes minced meat, and then seared in a lemon broth. Although this recipe is Lebanese in nature, it is often prepared in neighboring countries in the Levant. There are similar dishes that are also popular in Middle Eastern countries and other parts of the world, including Mahshi Waraq Enab (Egyptian), Maghmour Warak Enab (Levantine), Dolmades (Greek), Sarma (Russia & the Balkans).
Ashe Ab Ghooreh is a traditional Persian sour grape soup, and consists of rice, sour (unripe) grapes, black-eyed peas, onion, tomato, and other herbs and spices. It is typically served as a main course, either for lunch of dinner, and often served with lavash bread or another light side.
Tahin Pekmez, or tahini and molasses, is a common spread used on toast, breads, and deserts. It is frequently given the name "Turkish/Arabic PB&J" for its similarities to the peanut butter and jelly we use in our own food, although it is a bit different. This spread is a staple to Turkish breakfasts, and is frequently used in the culinary practices of other Middle Eastern countries as well. Although molasses can be made with a variety of fruits, this recipe traditionally calls for grape molasses specifically.
Middle Eastern Grape Recipes
Warak Enab, or stuffed grape leaves, is a Lebanese dish where grape leaves are stuffed with a mixture of rice, herbs, and sometimes minced meat, and then seared in a lemon broth. Although this recipe is Lebanese in nature, it is often prepared in neighboring countries in the Levant. There are similar dishes that are also popular in Middle Eastern countries and other parts of the world, including Mahshi Waraq Enab (Egyptian), Maghmour Warak Enab (Levantine), Dolmades (Greek), Sarma (Russia & the Balkans).
Ashe Ab Ghooreh is a traditional Persian sour grape soup, and consists of rice, sour (unripe) grapes, black-eyed peas, onion, tomato, and other herbs and spices. It is typically served as a main course, either for lunch of dinner, and often served with lavash bread or another light side.
Tahin Pekmez, or tahini and molasses, is a common spread used on toast, breads, and deserts. It is frequently given the name "Turkish/Arabic PB&J" for its similarities to the peanut butter and jelly we use in our own food, although it is a bit different. This spread is a staple to Turkish breakfasts, and is frequently used in the culinary practices of other Middle Eastern countries as well. Although molasses can be made with a variety of fruits, this recipe traditionally calls for grape molasses specifically.