Syrian tobacco, particularly the renowned Syrian Latakia, has a rich history and a unique flavor profile that has captivated tobacco enthusiasts for centuries. This tobacco is not just a product, but a testament to a tradition that has been passed down through generations. From the sun-cured leaves to the distinctive smoke-curing process, every step in the creation of Syrian tobacco adds to its unique character. Despite the challenges faced in its production, the allure of Syrian tobacco remains undiminished, making it a fascinating topic for exploration.
The Origins of Syrian Tobacco
Syrian tobacco, with its rich history and unique flavor profile, has been a part of the country’s culture for centuries. The origins of Syrian tobacco trace back to the Ottoman Empire, when tobacco cultivation was introduced to the region. The fertile soil and favorable climate of Syria proved to be ideal for tobacco cultivation, leading to the development of distinct tobacco varieties that are still celebrated today.
The Evolution of Syrian Tobacco
Over the centuries, Syrian tobacco has evolved, with local farmers and craftsmen refining cultivation and processing techniques to enhance the tobacco’s unique characteristics. This evolution has resulted in a product that is not just a commodity, but a testament to Syria’s rich cultural heritage and tradition.
The Flavor Profile of Syrian Tobacco
Syrian tobacco is renowned for its unique flavor profile. It is characterized by a rich, robust flavor with a hint of smokiness, a result of the traditional sun-curing and smoke-curing processes used in its production. This distinctive flavor has made Syrian tobacco a favorite among tobacco connoisseurs worldwide.
The Production Process of Syrian Tobacco
The production process of Syrian tobacco is a labor-intensive one, involving careful cultivation, harvesting, curing, and processing. Each step in this process contributes to the tobacco’s unique flavor and aroma, making Syrian tobacco a product of craftsmanship and tradition.
What Makes Syrian Latakia Special
Syrian Latakia, a variety of Syrian tobacco, is particularly renowned. Named after the port city of Latakia, this tobacco is known for its distinctive smoky flavor and rich aroma. The unique characteristics of Syrian Latakia are a result of a special curing process, which involves sun-curing followed by smoke-curing over aromatic woods and herbs.
The Crafting of Syrian Latakia
The crafting of Syrian Latakia is an art in itself, involving careful selection of leaves, meticulous curing, and expert blending. This painstaking process results in a product that is highly prized by tobacco enthusiasts for its unique flavor and quality.
What are the different types of Syrian tobacco?
Syrian tobacco is known for its unique characteristics and rich history. There are several types of Syrian tobacco, each with its own distinct flavor profile and production process:
- Syrian Latakia: This is a sun-dried and smoke-cured tobacco product that originated in Syria. It is named after the major port city of Latakia. The specific type of tobacco seed or variety used to produce Syrian Latakia is a subject of debate due to the lack of data. The taste and aroma of Syrian Latakia are considered mild, floral, spiced, and with wood smoke and tart flavors similar to wine .
- Shekk-el-Bint: This is a type of tobacco leaf used specifically for the production of Syrian Latakia. After harvesting, the leaf is sun-dried, then hung in barns to be smoked over smoldering fires of local herbs and woods, imparting the characteristic smoky aroma and distinctive flavor. Shekk-el-Bint is a strong tobacco, possessing a hefty dose of nicotine which is partially responsible for the robust “body” of the smoke .
- Smyrna or Izmir: This is a Turkish type tobacco used in the production of Latakia. It is a small leafed variety that contains little nicotine. 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 .
- Fire Cured Filler Grade Latakia: This type of Syrian tobacco is initially sun-cured then sealed in storage barns and fire-cured, typically by burning Syrian oak or pine wood and a variety of regional herbs. Depending on the blend of curing materials used and the length of the curing, differing Latakia flavor strains result .
How is Syrian tobacco grown and harvested?
Syrian tobacco is grown and harvested through a meticulous process that has been refined over centuries. The tobacco used is the “shekk-el-bint” that has long narrow leaves that have evolved to thrive in the low moisture of the extremely warm weather of Syria .
Once the tobacco is ready for harvest, the leaves are carefully picked and then sun-cured. This involves spreading the leaves out in the sun and turning them regularly for several days until the curing is completed. This process generally lasts about 18 to 20 days .
After sun-curing, the leaves are sewn together to prevent them from being carried away by the wind. They are then suspended from barn rafters and slowly smoked with special wood essences and local herbs, imparting an exquisite smokey flavor. This method, known as “fire curing”, traditionally takes around 14-16 days .
The tobacco leaves, over time, become covered with smoke particles generated from interior cooking fires. The creosote covered leaves impart a smokey characteristic to the leaves. Once this phenomenon was discerned, the technique evolved .
However, it’s important to note that the production of Syrian tobacco, particularly Syrian Latakia, has been severely affected due to political instability and ongoing war in the region. As a result, the leaf destined for Latakia production is now sent to Cyprus for processing .
Moreover, the Syrian government has outlawed the burning of traditional wood used in the fermenting of the leaves. The tobacco is still grown but the production is unstable due to political unrest. Today, Oriental tobaccos such as Ismir and Basma from Turkey, must be exported to Cyprus for the “fire curing” .
Despite these challenges, the allure of Syrian tobacco remains undiminished, and efforts are being made to revive the industry .
What are the most popular ways to use Syrian tobacco?
Syrian tobacco, particularly the variety known as Latakia, is most commonly used in pipe smoking and is a key component in many pipe tobacco blends due to its unique smoky flavor and aroma . Here are some of the most popular ways to use Syrian tobacco:
- Pipe Smoking: Syrian Latakia is a favorite among pipe smokers. It is often used as a condimental tobacco in pipe blends, adding a smoky, robust flavor that enhances the overall smoking experience .
- Cigarettes: While not as common as pipe smoking, Syrian tobacco has also been used in the production of cigarettes. However, the production of Syrian Latakia for cigarettes has significantly decreased over the years .
- Narghiles (Hookahs): In Syria, smoking tobacco through a narghile, also known as a hookah or water pipe, is a popular practice. This method of tobacco consumption has become increasingly widespread in recent years .
- Blending: Syrian Latakia is often used in tobacco blends due to its distinctive flavor. It is typically blended with other types of tobacco, such as Turkish Orientals, Virginias, and dark-fired Kentucky, to create a balanced and complex flavor profile .
Syrian Tobacco in Local Traditions
Syrian tobacco holds a significant place in local traditions. It is often used in social gatherings and celebrations, and the art of smoking Syrian tobacco is considered a symbol of hospitality and camaraderie.
Syrian Tobacco in the Global Market
Syrian tobacco, particularly Syrian Latakia, has also made its mark in the global market. It is sought after by tobacco enthusiasts worldwide, and is often used in premium tobacco blends for its unique flavor and aroma.
The Impact of Conflict on Syrian Tobacco
The Syrian conflict has had a significant impact on the country’s tobacco industry. Many tobacco farms have been destroyed, and the production of Syrian tobacco, particularly Syrian Latakia, has been severely affected. Despite these challenges, the allure of Syrian tobacco remains undiminished.
The Future Prospects of Syrian Tobacco
The future of Syrian tobacco, while uncertain, is not without hope. Efforts are being made to revive the industry, and the global demand for Syrian tobacco remains strong. With its unique characteristics and rich cultural significance, Syrian tobacco continues to hold a special place in the world of tobacco.
Conclusion
Syrian tobacco, with its rich history, unique flavor profile, and cultural significance, is truly a product of tradition and craftsmanship. Despite the challenges it faces, the legacy of Syrian tobacco endures, a testament to its enduring appeal and the resilience of the people who craft it. As we look to the future, we can only hope that this remarkable product continues to thrive, bringing its distinctive flavor and aroma to tobacco enthusiasts worldwide.
Syrian tobacco has a rich history and unique characteristics that make it a favorite among tobacco connoisseurs worldwide. The leaf used for Latakia, a variety of Syrian tobacco, 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. It can’t be processed in Syria, not since the late ’70s, when the government made it illegal to harvest the woods that were used in its curing .
Statistics:
Tobacco use is very widespread among the Syrian population with daily cigarette smoking being the most common, affecting 51.4% of men and 11.5% of women . There were 14731 tons of tobacco manufactured in Syria in 2014, mostly for local consumption and partially for exportation .
FAQs:
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What is the history of Syrian tobacco?
Syrian tobacco traces its origins back to the Ottoman Empire when tobacco cultivation was introduced to the region. Over the centuries, Syrian tobacco has evolved, with local farmers and craftsmen refining cultivation and processing techniques to enhance the tobacco’s unique characteristics . -
What is the flavor profile of Syrian tobacco?
Syrian tobacco is characterized by a rich, robust flavor with a hint of smokiness, a result of the traditional sun-curing and smoke-curing processes used in its production . -
What is Syrian Latakia?
Syrian Latakia is a variety of Syrian tobacco known for its distinctive smoky flavor and rich aroma. The unique characteristics of Syrian Latakia are a result of a special curing process, which involves sun-curing followed by smoke-curing over aromatic woods and herbs . -
What is the cultural significance of Syrian tobacco?
Syrian tobacco holds a significant place in local traditions. It is often used in social gatherings and celebrations, and the art of smoking Syrian tobacco is considered a symbol of hospitality and camaraderie . -
What is the impact of conflict on Syrian tobacco?
The Syrian conflict has had a significant impact on the country’s tobacco industry. Many tobacco farms have been destroyed, and the production of Syrian tobacco, particularly Syrian Latakia, has been severely affected . -
What are the future prospects of Syrian tobacco?
The future of Syrian tobacco, while uncertain, is not without hope. Efforts are being made to revive the industry, and the global demand for Syrian tobacco remains strong .
Books:
“The Morning They Came For Us” by Janine di Giovanni provides a clear-eyed and engaged report from the Syrian revolution and war, which indirectly touches upon the impact of the conflict on various aspects of Syrian life, including the tobacco industry .
Sources of information:
- “The Syrian Center for Tobacco Studies-13 (SCTS-13): Psychometric evaluation of a waterpipe-specific nicotine dependence instrument – PMC – NCBI” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7860966/
- “The tobacco epidemic in Syria – PMC – NCBI” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2563543/
- “A Closer Look At Latakia Tobacco – Smoking Pipes” https://www.smokingpipes.com/smokingpipesblog/single.cfm/post/closer-look-latakia-tobacco
- “Prevalence and behavior regarding cigarette and water pipe smoking among Syrian undergraduates – PMC – NCBI” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7653068/
- “Latakia (tobacco) – Wikipedia” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Latakia_(tobacco)
Citations:
- “The Syrian Center for Tobacco Studies-13 (SCTS-13): Psychometric evaluation of a waterpipe-specific nicotine dependence instrument – PMC – NCBI” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7860966/
- “The tobacco epidemic in Syria – PMC – NCBI” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2563543/
- “A Closer Look At Latakia Tobacco – Smoking Pipes” https://www.smokingpipes.com/smokingpipesblog/single.cfm/post/closer-look-latakia-tobacco
- “Prevalence and behavior regarding cigarette and water pipe smoking among Syrian undergraduates – PMC – NCBI” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7653068/
- “Latakia (tobacco) – Wikipedia” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Latakia_(tobacco)