The Ancient Art of Traditional Olive Oil Soap Making

🧼Olive oil soap production dates back to at least the 10th century in the Middle East.

⏳Traditional soap factories have been dwindling in number due to factors such as urbanization, changing tastes, and competition from mass-produced soap brands.

🌱The soap-making process involves olive oil, caustic soda, and water, with variations that can include fragrances like lavender and mint.

💪Soap factories rely on the dedication and expertise of multi-generational workers to continue the tradition.

🌍Soap factories try to preserve and promote traditional soap making through education and attracting tourists.

How long does it take to make traditional olive oil soap?

—The process can take several days, including cooking, pouring, cooling, hardening, and cutting.

What are the main ingredients in traditional olive oil soap?

—The main ingredients are olive oil, caustic soda, and water, although fragrances can also be added.

Why has the production of traditional olive oil soap declined?

—Factors such as urbanization, changing tastes, and competition from mass-produced soap brands have contributed to the decline.

How do traditional soap factories try to preserve the practice?

—They educate people about traditional soap making, share information on social media, and attract tourists to their factories.

Are there any variations or modernizations to traditional olive oil soap making?

—Yes, some factories now add fragrances like lavender and mint to create scented soaps.

00:02Traditional olive oil soap making in the Middle East involves pouring hot liquid soap on the floor to cool and harden.

03:11After cooling and hardening, the soap is cut into bars and left to dry for up to six months through a traditional method.

06:22Tripoli, Lebanon, was once a hub for olive oil soap production, but factors like the civil war and changing tastes led to factory closures.

08:56Traditional soap making in Aleppo, Syria, has also been affected by the civil war, causing a decline in the industry.

09:25Nablus in the West Bank, another region known for olive oil soap, also saw a decline in production due to lack of demand and conflict with Israel.