Eastern Mediterranean tobacco, with its rich history and unique characteristics, has long been a symbol of tradition and craftsmanship. This region, known for its fertile soils and favorable climate, produces some of the world’s most sought-after tobacco varieties. The journey of this tobacco, from seed to smoke, is a fascinating tale of artistry, culture, and economic significance. Join us as we delve into the world of Eastern Mediterranean tobacco, exploring its influence on global markets, its role in regional economies, and the craftsmanship that goes into its production.
Early Cultivation and Use
The story of Eastern Mediterranean tobacco begins centuries ago, when the region’s fertile soils and favorable climate first nurtured the growth of this unique plant. The indigenous people of the region recognized the plant’s potential and began cultivating it for various uses, from medicinal to ceremonial.
Expansion and Global Influence
As trade routes expanded, so did the reach of Eastern Mediterranean tobacco. Its unique characteristics quickly made it a sought-after commodity, influencing global markets and shaping the course of history in the region.
Cultivation Process
Growing Eastern Mediterranean tobacco is an art form in itself. It begins with the careful selection of seeds, followed by meticulous cultivation practices to ensure the plants grow to their full potential.
Harvesting and Curing
Once the leaves reach their peak, they are carefully harvested and undergo a curing process. This process, often passed down through generations, is crucial in developing the tobacco’s distinct flavor and aroma.
Flavor Profile
Eastern Mediterranean tobacco is renowned for its unique flavor profile. It offers a rich, full-bodied taste that is both robust and smooth, setting it apart from other tobacco varieties.
Aroma and Texture
The aroma of Eastern Mediterranean tobacco is equally distinctive, offering a blend of earthy and sweet notes. The texture of the leaves, smooth yet resilient, adds to the overall smoking experience.
Impact on Regional Economies
The cultivation and trade of Eastern Mediterranean tobacco have played a significant role in shaping the region’s economies. It has provided livelihoods for countless farmers and contributed to the region’s prosperity.
Influence on Global Markets
On a global scale, Eastern Mediterranean tobacco has left its mark. Its unique characteristics have made it a valuable commodity, influencing trends and shaping the global tobacco industry.
Role in Social Rituals
Beyond its economic significance, Eastern Mediterranean tobacco holds a special place in the region’s culture. It plays a central role in social rituals, symbolizing hospitality and camaraderie.
Symbol of Tradition and Craftsmanship
The cultivation and preparation of Eastern Mediterranean tobacco represent a legacy of tradition and craftsmanship. It stands as a testament to the region’s rich cultural heritage and the skill of its people.
what are the health risks associated with eastern mediterranean tobacco
Specifically, tobacco use is associated with oral health problems, including periodontal pockets, alveolar bone loss, staining of teeth, altered taste, and nicotinic stomatitis . Both smoked tobacco (cigarettes, cigars, and pipes) and smokeless tobacco (snuff or chewed tobacco) are implicated in these health effects .
Tobacco use ranks third among risk factors in North Africa and the Middle East in terms of disease burden . It is also a major cause of lung health issues, damaging the airways and alveoli, and leading to chronic obstructive lung diseases such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis .
Waterpipe tobacco smoking, which has spread rapidly in the region, especially among young people, is a particular concern. Factors contributing to the rise in waterpipe smoking rates include the introduction of flavored tobacco, the perception of reduced harm and addiction relative to cigarette smoking, and inadequate policies and regulations addressing waterpipe smoking . This form of tobacco use is also associated with health risks and contributes to the overall tobacco-related disease burden in the region.
Second-hand smoke exposure is another significant health risk, causing 1.2 million deaths annually worldwide. Nearly half of all children breathe air polluted by tobacco smoke, and 65,000 children die each year due to conditions related to second-hand smoke .
what are the most common types of eastern mediterranean tobacco
The most common types of tobacco used in the Eastern Mediterranean region are cigarettes and waterpipe tobacco, also known as shisha or hookah.
Cigarette smoking is the most prevalent form of tobacco use in the region. It is particularly high in countries like Palestine, Bahrain, and Kuwait .
Waterpipe tobacco smoking has also spread rapidly in the region over the past three decades, especially among young people. Factors contributing to the rise in waterpipe smoking rates include the introduction of flavored tobacco, the perception of reduced harm and addiction relative to cigarette smoking, and inadequate policies and regulations addressing waterpipe smoking .
Other smoked tobacco products, such as bidis, kreteks, and shisha, are gaining popularity, often in the mistaken belief that they are less hazardous to health .
In Qatar, the combination of cigarette with waterpipe smoking is common, followed by combinations of e-cigarettes and medwakh, a traditional Arab pipe .
Conclusion
Eastern Mediterranean tobacco, with its rich history, unique characteristics, and cultural significance, continues to captivate the world. Its journey from seed to smoke is a testament to the region’s tradition, craftsmanship, and the enduring allure of this remarkable plant.
Technical sources:
Tobacco use in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) is a significant concern. Despite projections indicating a decrease in tobacco use, the tobacco epidemic is far from over. The region faces multifaceted challenges, including the emergence of unregulated and novel tobacco products .
Tobacco Control Measures in the Eastern Mediterranean
The Eastern Mediterranean Region has made significant strides in tobacco control. For instance, Syria has established 24 tobacco cessation clinics across 14 government-owned facilities, providing consultations to approximately 3,000 visitors in 2020 and 2021 .
Statistics:
The prevalence of tobacco use in the EMR was projected to increase in both 2015 and 2018 reports. However, there is a notable difference in the projections. The 2015 report projected a prevalence increase of 5 percentage points from 2010 to 2025 .
Northern African countries that comprise WHO’s Eastern Mediterranean Region have little or no role in tobacco production, though they have significant trade volumes in the import of tobacco leaf and/or cigarettes. This region accounts for less than 1% of tobacco leaf growing in Africa, almost 39% of total tobacco leaf imported by Africa, and about 63.3% of Africa s total cigarette imports .
FAQs:
Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the current state of tobacco use in the Eastern Mediterranean Region?_
Answer: Despite projections indicating a decrease, tobacco use in the Eastern Mediterranean Region is still a significant concern. The region faces multifaceted challenges, including the emergence of unregulated and novel tobacco products .
Question 2: What measures are being taken to control tobacco use in the Eastern Mediterranean Region?_
Answer: The region has made significant strides in tobacco control. For instance, Syria has established 24 tobacco cessation clinics across 14 government-owned facilities .
Question 3: What is the prevalence of tobacco use in the Eastern Mediterranean Region?_
Answer: The prevalence of tobacco use in the EMR was projected to increase in both 2015 and 2018 reports. The 2015 report projected a prevalence increase of 5 percentage points from 2010 to 2025 .
Question 4: What role does the Eastern Mediterranean Region play in tobacco production and trade?
Answer: Northern African countries that comprise WHO’s Eastern Mediterranean Region have little or no role in tobacco production, though they have significant trade volumes in the import of tobacco leaf and/or cigarettes .
Books:
- “Voices of truth, vol. 2: Multinational tobacco industry activity in the Middle East: A review of internal industry documents” by Hammond, R., White, C. 2000 .
Sources of information:
- World Health Organization (WHO) reports and publications https://www.emro.who.int/emhj-volume-26-2020/volume-26-issue-1/smoking-prevalence-in-the-eastern-mediterranean-region.html
https://www.emro.who.int/emhj-volume-26-2020/volume-26-issue-1/full-implementation-of-the-who-framework-convention-on-tobacco-control-in-the-eastern-mediterranean-region-is-the-responsibility-of-all.html
https://www.emro.who.int/emhj-volume-26-2020/volume-26-issue-1/the-status-of-tobacco-control-in-the-eastern-mediterranean-region-progress-in-the-implementation-of-the-mpower-measures.html. - Reports from the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) https://extranet.who.int/fctcapps/fctcapps/fctc/kh/tobacco-taxation/e-library/geo-region/eastern-mediterranean?page=7.
- Studies published in the Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal https://www.emro.who.int/emhj-volume-26-2020/volume-26-issue-1/smoking-prevalence-in-the-eastern-mediterranean-region.html
https://www.emro.who.int/emhj-volume-26-2020/volume-26-issue-1/full-implementation-of-the-who-framework-convention-on-tobacco-control-in-the-eastern-mediterranean-region-is-the-responsibility-of-all.html
https://www.emro.who.int/emhj-volume-26-2020/volume-26-issue-1/the-status-of-tobacco-control-in-the-eastern-mediterranean-region-progress-in-the-implementation-of-the-mpower-measures.html.
Citations:
- “Smoking prevalence in the Eastern Mediterranean Region” by Fouad H; Commar A; Hamadeh RR; El-Awa F; Shen Z; Fraser CP https://www.emro.who.int/emhj-volume-26-2020/volume-26-issue-1/smoking-prevalence-in-the-eastern-mediterranean-region.html.
- “Full implementation of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control in the Eastern Mediterranean Region is the responsibility of all” by Al-Mandhari A; Hammerich A; El-Awa F; Bettcher D; Mandil A https://www.emro.who.int/emhj-volume-26-2020/volume-26-issue-1/full-implementation-of-the-who-framework-convention-on-tobacco-control-in-the-eastern-mediterranean-region-is-the-responsibility-of-all.html.
- “The status of tobacco control in the Eastern Mediterranean Region: progress in the implementation of the MPOWER measures” by El-Awa F; Bettcher D; Al-Lawati JA; Alebshehy R; Gouda H; Fraser CP https://www.emro.who.int/emhj-volume-26-2020/volume-26-issue-1/the-status-of-tobacco-control-in-the-eastern-mediterranean-region-progress-in-the-implementation-of-the-mpower-measures.html.