Tue Dec 10 07:18:22 UTC 2024: ## UNESCO Honors Ancient Nablus Soap Making Tradition
**Nablus, West Bank** – The centuries-old tradition of Nablus soap making has been officially recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage, highlighting its cultural and historical significance. This designation shines a light on the artisanal process, passed down through generations, and the crucial role it plays in Palestinian culture.
Umm al-Abed, a soap maker from the village of Salem, embodies this tradition. Learning the craft from an elderly relative decades ago, she now produces soap using a simple, time-honored method: olive oil, water, and lye, mixed and cooked in a rudimentary workshop. This process, witnessed by other women in her village, results in vibrant green soap, cut into bars after hardening. The soap often serves as gifts for special occasions, reflecting the strong connection between the people and nature.
The recognition extends beyond individual artisans like Umm al-Abed. The historic Tuqan soap factory in Nablus, established in 1872 during the Ottoman era, continues to produce soap on a larger scale, preserving the tradition for over a century. Factory chief Nael Qubbaj emphasized the importance of UNESCO’s recognition, viewing it as a global acknowledgement of the craft’s significance and the urgent need for its preservation, especially in light of challenges posed by the Israeli occupation. The UNESCO listing joins other Palestinian traditions such as storytelling, dance, and embroidery, further emphasizing the rich cultural heritage of the region.
First Piper 