Russian plane tree took 3rd place in the international competition “European Tree of the Year – 2021”
The results of the international competition “European Tree – 2021” have been summed up. According to the results of Internet voting, the Russian tree “Ancient Platan” won the honorable third place with 66,026 votes. The second place is taken by “Platan from Curinga”, Italy ‒ 78,210 votes. The winner of the competition was a tree from Spain. 104,264 votes were cast for Lesina's Millennium Oak.
The ancient plane tree grows in the courtyard of the old Juma Mosque in the historical part of Derbent (Republic of Dagestan). His age is 284 years. According to legend, the great commander of the east, Nadir Shah, looked after the sycamore sprouts. Admiring the mighty giant, the writer Alexander Bestuzhev-Marlinsky composed his works. Today, the majestic patriarch adorns the central part of the religious building, being a symbol of strength, one of the places of attraction for the people of Dagestan and guests of the republic. Legends are made about him, sung in poetry, depicted in paintings.
The international competition “European Tree of the Year” has been held since 2011. Its goal is to identify trees with the most interesting history in different countries of the world and to emphasize their importance in natural and cultural heritage. Therefore, the main criteria for selecting contestants and winners are not beauty, size or age, but the history of the tree and its connection with people.