The provided source offers a comprehensive historical analysis of agricultural practices in Afrin, a district in northwestern Syria, spanning from the mid-19th century Ottoman period to the end of 2010. It examines how Afrin's unique geography, climate, and water resources have fostered its agricultural prominence, particularly in olive cultivation. The text explores the dynamic relationship between environmental factors, Kurdish cultural practices, and the state-building ambitions of successive external powers, including the Ottomans, French Mandate, and Syrian Republic. Key themes include shifts in land tenure, state intervention in the agricultural economy through subsidies and controls, and the impact of major infrastructure projects like the Maydanki Dam. Ultimately, the source portrays Afrin's agricultural history as a transition from localized, traditional farming to a state-managed agrarian system, where farmers became increasingly reliant on centralized governmental apparatuses.
This page was created on: August 10, 2025