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A centuries-old plane tree in Bergama, western Türkiye, continues to serve as a gathering place, with a local coffeehouse maintaining a tradition that dates back nearly five decades.
Located between Haci Hekim Mosque, a historic bathhouse and the Covered Bazaar in Izmir's Bergama district, the tree provides shade for Cinarli Kahve, a coffeehouse that 78-year-old Adil Gurkas took over in 1979.
Gurkas has spent 47 years running a business in the same square, witnessing changes to the historic marketplace where he grew up.
Originally known as "Adil's Coffeehouse," the establishment became known as "Cinarli Kahve," meaning "Coffeehouse by the Plane Tree," after renovations to the square brought greater attention to the centuries-old tree.
According to Gurkas, an earlier examination estimated the tree's age at approximately 380 years, although its proximity to surrounding historical buildings has led to suggestions that it could be around 500 years old.
Gurkas explained that changes to the square's ground surface had made it harder for the tree to absorb sufficient water, prompting the family to install pipes and an irrigation system around its roots.
Emphasizing their responsibility to protect the tree, Gurkas said, "You cannot even hammer a nail into this tree. We are trying to preserve it. This tree has been entrusted to us, and we are its guardians."
Although Gurkas handed over the coffeehouse to his sons about six years ago, he continues to show up every day to help them run the family business.
"I left the business to my children, but the business won't leave me," he said.
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