TRADITIONS AND FOLKS FOR WALNUT GROWING AROUND THE SILK ROAD

Persian walnut is one of the important nut crops originating from ancient Persia and traded along the Silk Road route between Asia and the Middle East. A large part of walnut orchards (cultivated and wild) in the world located in the Silk Road countries, producing more than 71% of the world walnuts production. There are many true and false beliefs about walnut growing in the Silk Road countries. Different parts of walnut trees have been used for making various instruments and furniture since long times ago. Walnut kernels have been used as a dry fruit and as well as ingredient of different delicious foods. Walnut has also a long history of therapeutic usages to treat a variety of diseases in Silk Road countries. In addition, walnuts have a long history in popular culture, customs and games in these countries.