'Dri'

Blackberries thrive in Kurdistan but remain uncultivated despite popularity

ERBIL — As autumn begins, children and adults across the Kurdistan Region pick blackberries from the wild, staining their fingers black as they enjoy the sweet-tart fruit of the plant locally known as “tootirk” or “dri.” These thorny shrubs thrive in gardens and green spaces, producing ripe blackberries that resemble small clusters of dark grapes.

Jalal Harki, a local journalist, noted that while blackberries grow naturally in various parts of Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, they are particularly abundant in Kurdistan, where they thrive in humid, shaded areas. “Despite their popularity, they are not cultivated or sold commercially,” Harki told 964media.

Unlike other naturally growing plants in Kurdistan, such as rhubarb or mushrooms, blackberries are enjoyed by the public but have yet to find a commercial market. Instead, the fruit grows freely in cities, villages, homes, public gardens, and green spaces, where it is picked for personal enjoyment.

The blackberry shrub, part of the Rubus genus in the rose family, blooms in late spring, and its fruit ripens during the summer months, lasting into early autumn. The transformation of the plant’s pinkish-white flowers into shiny black berries is a notable sight, with the fruit transitioning from green to red before reaching its signature dark hue.

While blackberry shrubs grow wild across many parts of the world, they are also extensively cultivated in North America, Europe, and other temperate regions for commercial and personal use. The fruit is prized for its nutritional benefits, being rich in vitamin C, iron, and antioxidants. Blackberries are often eaten fresh, but they are also popular in jams, preserves, and baked goods like pies and cobblers.

In Kurdistan, the blackberry’s appeal is primarily in its natural abundance and the nostalgic tradition of picking the fruit straight from the shrub. However, as Harki pointed out, this beloved berry remains underappreciated in terms of its potential for commercial cultivation and wider use in the region.