Iraqi Honey, From Mountain Hives to Market Tables

With roots dating back to the Sumerian Empire, the Iraqi honey industry is steeped in tradition. Used everyday, from cooking and dessert making to medicinal remedies, honey in Iraq is more than just a food – rather it is a reflection of the ever evolving geography, climate and culture of Iraq.

Much of Iraq’s honey comes from the northern, Kurdish regions of Iraq – particularly Duhok and Nineveh. These regions’ mountainous terrains and more diverse plant life create ideal conditions for beekeeping, and these varieties of honey are widely preferred by Iraqis over imported varieties. 

Small-scale beekeeping remains common, with most honey production being passed directly from beekeeper to consumer, often through local networks. This small scale approach is designed to work with nature, rather than against it, and to prioritise preserving the honey’s nature properties over maximum yield.

The quality of Iraqi honey is closely tied to the surrounding ecosystem, and as global temperatures continue to rise and weather patterns shift, Iraq’s honey industry becomes challenged. 

Many beekeepers have adapted by moving hives to cooler, greener regions, especially in the north, where ecosystems remain more stable. 
These adjustments, alongside programmes such as the United Nations Development Programme, who work to support beekeepers facing climate related challenges,  reflect resilience rather than decline. 

In recent years, Iraqi honey has also gained international recognition, attracting interest in neighbouring regional markets. It maintains a reputation as a natural, premium product that not only reflects Iraq’s biodiversity, but the care and knowledge of those who work closely with the land. 

Iraqi honey tells a story of connection between traditional, nature, past and present – from its production in mountain villages, to being sold at city markets, it remains a symbol of Iraq’s agricultural heritage.