Intrigue on the topic of Syrian tobacco centers around its most famous variety, Latakia, which is renowned for its distinctive smoky flavor and aroma. This tobacco has a storied past, originating from the port city of Latakia, where it was accidentally discovered when tobacco leaves were exposed to smoke from household fires. The result was a tobacco with a unique taste that quickly became sought after by connoisseurs around the world. Today, the production of true Syrian Latakia is shrouded in mystery and scarcity, as geopolitical issues and historical events have made its traditional methods of production nearly extinct. The allure of Syrian tobacco lies not only in its flavor but also in its rarity and the cultural heritage it represents, making it a prized possession for tobacco enthusiasts who seek to experience a piece of history with every puff.
The Emergence of Latakia Tobacco
The history of Syrian tobacco is intertwined with the history of Latakia tobacco. This variety originated in Syria and was named after the major port city of Latakia. The flavor and aroma of Syrian Latakia are considered mild, floral, spiced, and with wood smoke and tart flavors similar to wine .
The Impact of War on Syrian Tobacco
The Syrian civil war has had a significant impact on the production of Latakia tobacco. The decrease in production within Syrian borders during this time has made it difficult to distinguish between flavor characteristics and leaf structure of one variety to another . The war has also influenced smoking habits, with increased rates of tobacco use among the population .
Traditional Cultivation Methods
Traditionally, Syrian farmers grew a leaf known as Shekk-el-Bint specifically for Latakia production, and then cured it in their own barns . The leaf used for Latakia is grown in the region around Turkey, including the Syrian Arab Republic, but then processed in the Republic of Cyprus by a single manufacturer: Bee Trading Company .
Modern Challenges and Changes
Modern challenges, including political unrest and changes in government policy, have affected the cultivation and production of Syrian tobacco. The government of Syria has outlawed the burning of traditional wood used in the fermenting of the tobacco, leading to instability in production . Furthermore, Syria’s Tobacco Control Program is actively working to eliminate the illicit trade of tobacco products and endorse sustainable crop substitution .
Unique Characteristics of Syrian Latakia
Syrian Latakia is prized for its unique flavor profile. It lends an essence of Rosemary and Mesquite and a bit of citrus to the tobacco blend . The taste is considered mild, floral, spiced, and with wood smoke and tart flavors similar to wine .
Comparison with Other Tobacco Varieties
When compared to other tobacco varieties, Syrian Latakia stands out for its unique flavor profile. It is typically added to a smoking mixture at less than 15%, with the smoky acridness and tang becoming more prominent when in percentages of 35% or more .
Prevalence of Smoking in Syria
Smoking is steadily increasing in popularity amongst the Syrian population, mainly in the forms of cigarettes or narghiles. As of 2010, 20% of women and 60% of men smoke and 98% of the overall population is affected by passive smoking .
Popular Syrian Tobacco Products
Alhamraa is the main cigarette product produced and sold in Syria, however there are other less popular brands including Ebla and Sharq . Narghile smoking is currently perceived as an important cultural feature of Syria, most notably in the city of Aleppo .
Efforts Towards Sustainable Crops
In recent years, Syria has made remarkable progress in tobacco control. A total of 24 tobacco cessation clinics have been established across 14 government-owned facilities, providing consultations to approximately 3,000 visitors in 2020 and 2021 .
The Global Perspective
Globally, the future of Syrian tobacco is uncertain. The production of Syrian Latakia is unstable due to political unrest and changes in government policy . However, the unique flavor profile of Syrian Latakia continues to be appreciated by tobacco connoisseurs around the world .
how has the syrian government responded to the tobacco epidemic in the country
The Syrian government has responded to the tobacco epidemic in the country by establishing the Syrian Center for Tobacco Studies (SCTS). The SCTS was created to address the lack of local knowledge and expertise needed to confront the growing tobacco use in Syria. The center’s objectives include studying tobacco use and local smoking practices through qualitative and quantitative research, developing and testing effective smoking cessation interventions tailored to the Syrian environment, and training Syrian researchers in the field of tobacco control .
The SCTS has conducted various studies, such as the Aleppo Household Survey, which involved a representative sample of adults in Aleppo to gather data on smoking habits and attitudes . The center has also engaged in in-depth ethnographic interviews with smokers to understand the cultural aspects of smoking, such as the perception of waterpipe smoking as a pleasurable social activity, in contrast to cigarette smoking, which is often viewed as an addiction .
In addition to research and intervention development, the SCTS has provided a training ground for Syrian researchers to build local capacity in tobacco research, prevention, and treatment. The establishment of the SCTS and its efforts have been supported by the Syrian government, which was initially highly supportive of the center’s objectives to reduce tobacco-related morbidity and mortality .
Despite these efforts, the Syrian civil war has significantly exacerbated the challenges faced by the SCTS and the tobacco control efforts in the country. The conflict has led to increased stress and displacement among the population, contributing to higher rates of tobacco use. It has also disrupted tobacco cultivation and production, further complicating the tobacco epidemic in Syria .
what is syrian tobacco and how is it made
Syrian tobacco, specifically known as Latakia tobacco, is a unique type of tobacco that originated in Syria and is named after its major port city of Latakia . It is a sun-dried and smoke-cured tobacco product . The production of Syrian tobacco involves a two-step process: sun-drying and smoke-curing .
Information about Syrian Tobacco
Syrian tobacco was traditionally grown in the region around Syria, including Turkey, and then processed in Cyprus by a single manufacturer, Bee Trading Company . The leaf used for Latakia was known as Shekk-el-Bint, specifically grown for Latakia production, and then cured in their own barns . However, due to political unrest and changes in traditional practices, the Syrian government has outlawed the burning of traditional wood used in the fermenting of the tobacco, leading to instability in production . Today, tobacco is still grown in Syria, but it can’t be cured to make Latakia, so the leaf destined for that purpose is instead sent to Cyprus .
Interesting Statistics on Syrian Tobacco
Unfortunately, specific statistics on Syrian tobacco are not readily available in the provided search results. However, it’s known that smoking in Syria is steadily increasing in popularity amongst the Syrian population, mainly in the forms of cigarettes or narghiles . As of 2010, 20% of women and 60% of men smoke, and 98% of the overall population is affected by passive smoking . Syrians collectively spend about $600 million per year on tobacco consumption .
The Production Process of Syrian Tobacco
The production of Syrian tobacco involves a two-step process: sun-drying and smoke-curing . After harvesting, the tobacco leaves are first dried in the air and sun . The sun-dried leaves are then smoked over smoldering embers, a process that takes place in closed barns and lasts 5-6 months . The main components of the embers are pine and oak, but also different herbs . The long period of time naturally causes changes in the tobacco. The leaf becomes dark, partly caramelized. Smoke particles combine with the leaf and the aroma of the herbs is absorbed by the tobacco .
The Shift in Production from Syria to Cyprus
Due to sociopolitical issues within Syrian borders, large-scale Latakia tobacco production has permanently moved to Cyprus . While there is still tobacco being produced in Syria, none of it is meant for Latakia production or exportation . In Cyprus, Oriental leaf used for a number of blending applications not specific to Latakia is diverted for curing .
Modern Challenges in Latakia Production
Latakia tobacco production faces challenges due to political unrest and changes in traditional practices . For example, the Syrian government has outlawed the burning of traditional wood used in the fermenting of the tobacco, leading to instability in production . Pipe tobacco manufacturers now have to deal with a broken supply chain and production system .
Use of Syrian Tobacco in Modern Blends
Latakia tobacco is traditionally found within pipe tobacco blends, although some avant-garde cigar and cigarette producers use it as well . The majority of pipe blends use Latakia as a condiment, a tobacco that does not represent the majority of the blend but is instead used to add complexity and flavor .
Conclusion
Syrian tobacco, with its rich history, unique cultivation methods, and distinct flavor profile, holds a special place in the world of tobacco. Despite the challenges posed by political unrest and changes in government policy, the appreciation for Syrian tobacco, particularly the Latakia variety, remains strong. As Syria continues to navigate its way towards sustainable crop substitution and tobacco control, the legacy of Syrian tobacco endures.
Technical sources:
Syrian tobacco, particularly Latakia, is a sun-dried and smoke-cured tobacco product that originated in Syria. It is named after the port city of Latakia and is known for its unique taste and aroma, which are considered mild, floral, spiced, and with wood smoke and tart flavors similar to wine .
Statistics:
In Syria, around 40% of the retail price of cigarettes comprises tobacco tax, a figure that has been stable over the last decade. There is an ad valorem tax on cigarettes at 20% of the retail price before tax . Tobacco use is widespread, with daily cigarette smoking affecting 51.4% of men and 11.5% of women, and waterpipe smoking also gaining ground .
FAQs:
Will the future of Syrian tobacco be affected by global trends?
Yes, global trends, including health concerns and regulatory changes, can impact the demand and production of Syrian tobacco.
Does Syrian tobacco have any unique characteristics?
Syrian tobacco, especially Latakia, is known for its unique flavor profile, which includes mild, floral, spiced, and wood smoke notes .
Can Syrian tobacco be compared to other tobacco varieties?
Syrian Latakia is often compared to other varieties for its distinctive flavor profile and is typically added to smoking mixtures in small percentages to avoid overpowering the blend .
How has the smoking prevalence changed in Syria?
Smoking prevalence in Syria has been affected by various factors, including the Syrian civil war, which has more than doubled the numbers of tobacco consumption among Syrians .
Why has the Syrian civil war impacted the tobacco industry?
The Syrian civil war has led to increased stress and displacement, contributing to higher rates of tobacco use. Additionally, the conflict has disrupted tobacco cultivation and production .
Where is Syrian tobacco primarily grown?
Syrian tobacco is primarily grown in the region around the port city of Latakia and other suitable areas within the country .
What are the traditional cultivation methods of Syrian tobacco?
Traditionally, Syrian tobacco is sun-dried and smoke-cured, a process that contributes to its distinctive flavor .
Who is the main producer of Syrian tobacco?
The main producer of Syrian Latakia tobacco was within Syrian borders, but due to the decrease in production, it is difficult to pinpoint a single main producer .
Books:
For those interested in learning more about Syrian tobacco, particularly Latakia, the following books are recommended:
- “Tobacco: Its History, Varieties, Culture, Manufacture and Commerce” by E.R. Billings
- “Foreign Crops and Markets, Volume 63” by the United States Bureau of Markets and Crop Estimates
Sources of information:
Information on Syrian tobacco can be found in various sources, including:
- WHO reports on the global tobacco epidemic https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/country-profiles/tobacco/who_rgte_2021_syrian_arab_republic.pdf?sfvrsn=4ba6c00_5
- Studies on the tobacco epidemic in Syria https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2563543/
- Global Youth Tobacco Surveys https://extranet.who.int/ncdsmicrodata/index.php/catalog/350/datafile/F1/V3
https://ghdx.healthdata.org/record/syria-global-youth-tobacco-survey-2002
https://extranet.who.int/ncdsmicrodata/index.php/catalog/349/datafile/F1/V60
https://ghdx.healthdata.org/record/syria-unrwa-global-youth-tobacco-survey-2008
Citations:
Authoritative sources on the subject of Syrian tobacco include:
- “Latakia (tobacco)” from Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Latakia_(tobacco)
- “The tobacco epidemic in Syria” from the Syrian Center for Tobacco Studies https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2563543/
- WHO report on the global tobacco epidemic, 2021 https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/country-profiles/tobacco/who_rgte_2021_syrian_arab_republic.pdf?sfvrsn=4ba6c00_5