Syria's famous damask rose withered by war

Damascus

ITS fame is such that the damask rose features in Shakespeare, but for Syrian farmers growing the flower that produces the heady-scented oil used to flavour Turkish delight, tragedy may await.

One of the oldest flowers in history, a staple of perfumers and known for its therapeutic properties, the damask rose is withering in the city and surrounding fields that gave it its name.

Farmer Jamal Abbas looks out over the …