HESNA MIHEMED

Shahba- Afrin, a city of North and East Syria, is famous for its fruit trees. There are many pomegranate trees in the city. Before the city was occupied by the Turkish state and Turkish-backed factions, the residents of Afrin picked pomegranates in autumn to earn a living. Since they were forcibly displaced from Afrin, they have been earning a living by making and selling pomegranate juice in Shahba.

Sînam Hebeş is one of the displaced women of Afrin, who earn a living by making and selling pomegranate juice in a village of Shahba’s Sherewa town. Speaking about the health benefits of pomegranates, she says that pomegranate juice can prevent many diseases.

‘Making pomegranate juice has become a tradition for us’

Sînam Hebeş told us how they make pomegranate juice. “In autumn, we buy pomegranates and make pomegranate juice. We first remove the arils from the pomegranate and then boil it. We earn a living by selling pomegranate juice. Making pomegranate juice has become a tradition for us. We learned how to make pomegranate juice from our mothers.”

Speaking about the benefits of pomegranate juice, she said, “It can prevent many diseases. It is also used in meals and salads because it is delicious. Our neighbors also help us in making pomegranate juice. We used to make grape molasses every year; however, we could not make it this year due to its high price. Everyone should know the benefits of pomegranate juice."