heritage of nabulsi soap
A MILLENNIUM-OLD TRADITION
The soap industry in Nablus, Palestine has ancient origins which trace back to the tenth century, making it a millennium-old tradition. This soap represents one of the few distinctive elements in the city's economic and cultural history, setting Nablus apart in terms of industry and heritage.
Nablus' historic city, despite enduring significant damage during both Intifadas, remains a testament to the art of soap production. Yet, it was within this very old city that the Nablusi soap industry was born.
During the nineteenth century, the old city was home to more than thirty soap factories, while over forty operated beyond its ancient walls. Today, only one endures: the Al Badir Soap Manufacturing Company. Inside its cold, stone interior, there are few signs of modernization or technological advancements. A short ten-minute stroll away, the Tuquan family soap factory sits just outside the old city. This establishment was constructed in 1872, during the days of the Ottoman Empire. Remarkably, 141 years later, it still occupies its original stone structure. Nablusi soap, though reduced in physical footprint, remains intricately woven into the architectural and historical essence of Nablus.
Soap shares a deep and enduring connection with Nablus' families. The Tuquan, Shakaa, and Masri families prominently feature in the industry's narrative, with their factories continuing to produce to this very day. The Tuquan family, in particular, has played a significant role in the political and cultural life of Palestine and Jordan since the time of the Ottoman Empire.
The intrinsic connection between the product and its place of origin is often highlighted on the product's packaging, with the city's name prominently displayed. Nablusi soap's indelible connection, both within the architectural framework of the old city and within the town's industrial and historical identity, elevates it to a powerful symbol of Nablusi heritage and resilience.
our story
The Abu Shamat family was among the thirty soap factories that thrived before the demise of the industry. Nablus is historically esteemed for its rich olive trees, a product that represents the community’s most valuable and versatile creation. The olive oil harvested from the fertile trees was used to construct soap as early as the 10th century, and soap production quickly became a flourishing industry until its downfall in the 20th century. Nablus is celebrated as the city of soap; it is also a regional hub for trade with a prosperous economy. Nabulsi soap is defined as a vestige of a glorious Palestinian past, an icon demonstrating Palestinian cultural heritage. Additionally, it symbolizes the resistance to occupation.
During the second intifada in 2002, Nablus was re-occupied by the Israeli army. Robert Saunder’s paper, entitled “Between Paralysis and Practice: Theorizing the Political Liminality of Palestinian Cultural Heritage” (see Table 2), reveals documentation of the destruction in 2002. Our factory and two other timeworn factories were destroyed with aerial airstrikes. Of the dozens of historical factories that once stood, only two remain today, Tuqan Soap Factory and Shaka’a Soap Factory.
meet the owner
Meet the creative force behind The Olive Soap: Abu Shamat Soap Factory; Lana Abu Shamat. With a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) from the esteemed Savannah College of Art & Design (SCAD) and a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) from Pratt Institute, her artistic journey has been an exploration of heritage, culture, and identity.
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During her time at Pratt Institute, Lana embarked on a deeply personal and transformative thesis project. Her focus was on the resurrection of her family's soap factory: a treasured establishment that had remained dormant for over two decades. This endeavor was not merely a creative pursuit; it was a passionate endeavor to reconnect with her roots and preserve the rich traditions of her Palestinian-American heritage.
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Her work is a testament to her profound connection to her ancestral homeland. She specializes in characterizing items that bear the weight of her identity, unveiling the hidden stories of the past, and allowing these objects to transcend time and conflicts. These items, often seemingly mundane, take on new life and meaning under her skillful hands, becoming conduits of history and culture.
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Her work is a harmonious blend of the old and the new, a celebration of the resilience and endurance of Palestinian culture. Through her art, Lana strives to breathe new life into these ancient creations, bringing forth their inherent beauty and significance. It is a tribute to generations of a culture that may have been forgotten by some but remains vibrant and enduring through her artistic lens.
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We invite you to explore her artist portfolio, where you'll find a compelling journey through her creations, each telling a story, preserving a memory, and redefining a culture. Join her in this artistic odyssey that bridges the past and the present, the traditional and the contemporary, and the personal and the universal.
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