Syria
Nov. 17, 2025
Amid the Hum of Olive Mills, Afrin Farmers Work Under Threat
In Afrin, the hum of olive presses returns, but unease lingers as Turkey-backed factions continue to influence Syria’s main olive-growing region.
Nov. 12, 2025
Report Exposes Extortion and Violence in Syria’s Olive Heartland
Once responsible for a third of Syria’s olive oil, Afrin’s farmers now face illegal levies, intimidation and violence under militia control, according to a new report by Syrians for Truth and Justice.
Jan. 9, 2025
Olive Council Data Shows Latest Harvest Results, Emerging Trends
Global olive oil production is expected to exceed the five-year average in the 2024/25 crop year, as production decreases in Europe and rises in the Middle East and North Africa.
Dec. 14, 2024
Political Turmoil Complicates Efforts to Revive Syrian Exports
After overthrowing the autocratic rule of former President Bashar al-Assad, Syria’s new governing coalition said it would enact free-market reforms and stimulate exports.
Sep. 14, 2023
Syria Restricts Olive Oil Exports as Harvest Outlook Worsens
Olive oil production in Syria is expected to fall by 50 percent in the 2023/24 crop year. Authorities have banned exports to prevent price rises.
Feb. 6, 2023
Deadly Earthquakes Shake Turkey and Syria
As international rescuers travel to the war-ravaged region, witnesses describe freezing temperatures among razed cities and villages.
Dec. 30, 2022 World
Nov. 18, 2022 Production
Jul. 11, 2022 World
Sep. 4, 2019 World
Syrian Women Given the Chance to Learn New Skills From Italian Farmers
Aug. 22, 2019 News Briefs
Mar. 15, 2019
60 Years in, Olive Council Looks at Challenges Ahead
As part of the celebration of the 60th anniversary of the IOC, Executive Director Abdellatif Ghedira spoke exclusively with Olive Oil Times on the challenges facing the sector.
Feb. 28, 2019
35,000 Tons of Stolen Syrian Olive Oil May Already Be in Europe
This figure represents about half of the olive oil that has reportedly smuggled out from Afrin. A new pro-Turkish ally in the occupied Syrian territory denies the oil "was stolen" at all.
Jan. 15, 2019
Turkey Accused of Selling Stolen Syrian Olive Oil as Its Own
Several different groups ranging from politicians to non-governmental organizations and news outlets have documented the alleged plunder of Syrian olive oil.
Jan. 4, 2017
An Aleppo Tradition is Revived in Paris as France's Own Soapmakers Duel
When the ongoing war put an end to Samir Constantini's plan to open his own factory in Aleppo, he began to make soap in the Syrian tradition on the outskirts of Paris. Is it still Syrian? France has its own bubbling controversy.
Oct. 15, 2015
Syria Says it Will Produce More Olive Oil this Year than Ever Before
Despite a raging civil war that has forced half its population to flee their homes, Syria is saying this will be a banner year for olive oil production.
Dec. 1, 2014
With Little Choice, Syrians Look to Ancient Olive Groves for Firewood
With the cold winter coming, people in Syria are forced to cut their olive trees for heating homes and makeshift shelters.
Nov. 26, 2014
Among the Casualties in Aleppo, an Ancient Olive Oil Soap
Soap makers have fled the crumbling city and the fate of the renowned olive oil soap from Aleppo is uncertain.