With Little Choice, Syrians Look to Ancient Olive Groves for Firewood
In Northern Syria near Idlib, locals are cutÂting their olive trees to use as fuel in makeshift shelÂters due to a shortÂage of fuel and high costs. The ecoÂnomic and senÂtiÂmenÂtal value of olive trees, which have been a vital source of liveliÂhood for cenÂturies, is being sacÂriÂficed in the face of politÂiÂcal instaÂbilÂity and scarcity in the region.
In the counÂtryÂside near Idlib, in Northern Syria, peoÂple are cutÂting their olive trees to heat their makeshift shelÂters.
In this area where that has proÂduces olive oil for cenÂturies — the earÂliÂest writÂten menÂtion of it was found in Ebla, Syria — this crop still repÂreÂsents one of the most imporÂtant sources of liveliÂhood. But with the cold winÂter comÂing, the fuel shortÂage and its high cost is pushÂing locals to cut their beloved trees.
The outÂbreak of revÂoÂluÂtion four years ago, and politÂiÂcal instaÂbilÂity conÂdemned peoÂple from Idlib to sufÂfer for the scarcity of just about everyÂthing they need. Moreover, the lack of secuÂrity and specÂuÂlaÂtion led to an increase in the price of fuel placÂing it out of the reach of the mostly unemÂployed locals. Although olive trees have both an ecoÂnomÂiÂcal and a senÂtiÂmenÂtal value, they are forced to cut and use their wood to surÂvive.
SEE ALSO: Olive Trees Face ​‘Death by Saw’ in Greece
In Idlib, as reported by Aljazeera, some comÂplain against the regime while othÂers accuse rebel forces, but everyÂone is feelÂing great sorÂrow cutÂting the silent symÂbol of peace and prosÂperÂity in the Idlib counÂtryÂside, a batÂtleÂfield of a war that seems endÂless.
Related Articles
Feb. 20, 2025
Olive Oil Overtakes Wine as Popular Host Gift in Britain
It has become chic in the U.K. to present dinner party hosts with a bottle of extra virgin olive oil instead of wine or chocolates.
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.
Jun. 25, 2025
Yeast Study Finds Solution for Olive Mill Wastewater Treatment
A new study explores using Yarrowia lipolytica yeast to convert olive mill wastewater into valuable compounds, potentially benefiting various industries.
Feb. 11, 2025
Olive Oil-Based Films May Soon Replace Plastic Food Packaging
Researchers in Turkey have developed biodegradable oleofilms, which can prolong the shelf life of perishable foods by slowing oxidation.
Aug. 21, 2025
Turkey Approves Coal Mining in Olive Groves
The new law, which allows mining operations to take place in olive groves, will make the country's olive sector compete for land with the energy sector.
Mar. 3, 2025
Rare Variety Unites Bosnia and Herzegovina in Olive Grove of Hope
Catholics, Orthodox Christians and Muslims involved in Herzegovina’s olive sector planted 33 white Leucocarpa olives at a convent to celebrate unity.
Mar. 17, 2025
Hong Kong Barista Explains His Signature Olive Oil Sour
Lorenzo Antinori uses extra virgin olive oil to add a smooth texture and complementary flavors to his Mediterranean take on the classic whiskey sour.
Aug. 5, 2025
Olive Pulp-Enriched Diet Benefits Cattle and Reduces Costs
New research shows feeding olive pulp to cattle improves fatty acid profiles in milk and beef, lowers feed costs, and improves sensory analysis.