JEBEILI SOAP FACTORY
At the beginning of the 16th century, Aleppo experienced a remarkable development as small soap workshops were replaced by buildings that are not originally created to manufacture soap. The soap makers used these buildings after they made adjustments to suit the purpose of soap manufacturing.
Jebeili Soap Factory bears witness to this period because it used to be the stable of Khan al-Qadi. It has been transformed into a soap factory; it consists of two floors. The ground floor is used to store the raw materials, the 33 underground compartments were designed to store the oils and a special room to prepare the Anabasis plant where the grinding is done by a millstone turned by animals.
Two pots are used in the cooking process. Each pot has a capacity of over 5,000 liters of oil, water and anabasis. The pots are heated by wood to 200 degrees Celsius (the wood has been replaced by a burner due to the large production). The rest of the space on the ground floor is used to store the final products after being packed in bags for sale on the local market or exported from Syria.
The hall consists of parallel rows of arches supported by columns, and covered with gables containing perforated openings. Each place on this floor has its function, the spaces between the arches are the perfect place for straightening the soft soap and cutting it manually and stamping it with the special stamped seal, while those reserved between the arches are the function of receiving cubic soap bars, often lined in the form of beautiful towers, in a way that allows air to reach all the ends of the single soap. That place remains filled with laurel perfume for a period ranging between six to nine months, which is the time required for the soap to dry before it can be packed.
Naturally scented
Very pure: 100% vegetable origin
Without Conservative agents
Moisturizing, thanks to the nourishing properties of virgin olive oil
Soft, thanks to the soothing virtues of laurel oil
Handcrafted according to ancestral know-how
TYPES OF SOAP
Traditional soap: Despite its lack of ergonomically smooth appearance, the special charm embodied in its fragrance and its color carry your imagination, your heart, and your memory from anywhere in the world to the perfumers market located in the center of the big bazaar in the middle of Old Aleppo. Its magic fragrance brings the sweetest memories of the bay leave sent that you may have experienced in a traditional public Turkish Bath (Hammam al souq). The types of soap vary depending on the amount of bay oil infused in the magic recipe of oils that make the soap.
Aleppo throughout history
Life began in the city of Aleppo when the kingdom of the Amorites, known as Yamhad, built it about 7,000 years ago. Aleppo is considered the oldest inhabited city in history and its popularity continued until it became one of the most important cities of the Silk Road which stretches from China to Europe where its covered markets are considered to be the longest in the world.
The city of Aleppo has been inscribed on the World Heritage List; UNESCO has considered it an exceptional historic city. Aleppo is famous for its archaeological sites, including:
Aleppo Citadel: It is considered one of the largest citadels and among the most beautiful castles in the world. Its construction dates back to the first millennium BC, the Citadel is located on a hill in the city center, there are many buildings, churches, mosques, auditoriums, theaters and several doors, paths and corridors. It was the center of power for many kings and rulers.