Ancient BathHouses of Aleppo
In Syria’s second city Aleppo there is a revival of ancient bathhouses under way. It is not because people are returning to an old tradition, but rather that the devastation of economic hardships has made hot showers a luxury. Aleppo's bathhouses have for centuries served as a social hub where men and women come together to wash, listen to music and even eat. In Hammam al-Qawwas, one of more than 50 traditional bathhouses in Aleppo's Old City, diesel fuel and firewood are used to power furnaces providing hot water and steam.
"At home you have to shower in five minutes, but at the bathhouse you can stay for five hours," he said. Hammam al-Qawwas, a 14th-century bathhouse in Aleppo, was inherited by 33-year old Ammar Radwan who said he never thought business would bounce back.”
WATCH VIDEO FROM ALJAZEERA ENGLISH
Public bathhouses also known as Hammam are common in Iran, Iraq, Levante, Anatolia and North Africa. It was a place to socialize with the local community while practicing personal hygiene and ancient bathing rituals. In Syria, it’s a truly magnificent tradition, that includes; exfoliating with a loofah or keese with the the famous Aleppo Soap, massage with oil, followed by a delicious meal. The architecture is exquisite and the amenities are many which underscore the importance of bath houses for the Islamic community. Together with the mosque, souk, and maktab (school) and local cafes, they formed the core district of ancient cities. The men area is separated from the women’s bath and children usually accompanied one of the parents.
Video from Aljazeera English - December 2021
Aleppo Tulip is a moss green soap bar color that is evovativve of a warm cup of herbal tea. Our vegan aromatherapy body bars are imported from Aleppo, Syria and come in six scents. Aleppo Laurel Soap is considered to be one of the purest artisanal soaps ever made. The essential oil scents are refreshingly earthy and steeped in Syria’s history and culture.
SCENT: Sweet and savory
SCENT STRENGTH: Fragrant
CLICK HERE FOR FULL SCENT GUIDE
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THE DETAILS
Imported from Syria and hand packaged in California
Made with olive oil, laurel oil, black seed oil, water, lye and Tulip essential oil
Moisturizes and nourishes without drying out skin
Soap bars take one full year to make
Good for sensitive or eczema prone skin
Plant based, no artificial colors, dyes or fragrances, gluten free
Can be used on the body, face and hair or to shave
Bar Dimensions - 3.25” x 2.25” x 1.25” / 6 oz.
Includes a history of Aleppo Soap Card
Available in six unique Arabesque scents
*Handmade by artisans, slight variations in color and texture may occur.
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SOAP HISTORY
Aleppo laurel soap is named after the city in which it was first made - Aleppo, Syria. The centuries-old formula is revered by people from all over the world for its soothing benefits and all natural ingredients. Laurel oil is considered Syria’s “green gold,” every year the soap is manufactured from November to March after the olives and laurel berry fruit have been collected from the trees and turned into oil. Eachsoap bar takes one year to make.
SOCIAL IMPACT
Hassen has been in the laurel soap business since 1984, and has persevered despite the lack of resources due to the war in Syria. Connecting his artisanal soaps to a global market helps strengthen the local farming community and contribute to Syria’s economic development. Upon arrival to our warehouse in LA, the soaps are individually packaged by hand and distributed across the U.S. Each soap purchase supports the advancement of artisan entrepreneurs, both in the U.S. and the Middle East.
Keese is a washcloth traditionally used with the during the Hamam bathing rituals of the Middle East. An ideal pairing for a luxurious lather with our Aleppo Soap Bar. This multipurpose super soft textile comes in six neutral colors, perfect for a daily shower, removing makeup, washing your face, or wiping off sweat during a heavy workout. Towel can easily fold and store anywhere. The signature Mitt Keese weave helps to improve absorption and drying time.
Gentle on the skin and kind to the environment, the Lux Mitt Keese is handwoven in Hama, Syria, using centuries-old techniques on the traditional wooden loom by our artisan partner Abdullah. Specializing in the ancient art of organic cotton weaving dating back to 1853.
Learn more about Syria’s textile weaving workshop
MITT KEESE DIMENSIONS 8” X 5”
100% cotton fibers
Gentle to use on face
Can be used dry to wipe or wet to scrub and exfoliate
Handwoven in small batches in Hama, Syria
Creates a luxurious lather with soap bar
Handmade by artisans, some variations of size and design may occur
KEESE CARE INSTRUCTIONS Natural cotton fibers need to be kept dry after each shower. Wring out excess water and allow to air dry for best results. To reuse, machine wash with cold water and mild detergent. Avoid bleach or fabric softeners. Hang or tumble dry low.