The Arafat Soap Factory Restored

The Old City of Nablus contains about thirty soap factories not in use today (for a history of Nablus soap, see under “Olive oil and soap”). Among these buildings there is one which appears to be coming back to life. The Arafat soap factory on Al-Salahi street has been restored by the architect Naseer Arafat with the aim of safeguarding Nablus’cultural heritage.

It is a huge project. Naseer Arafat would like to see there not only a cultural centre for the young but also a library specialising in the fine arts and architecture and workshops for pottery and weaving.  At present you can visit this building which is typical of Nablus’commercial buildings. The main room where the soap was made has been converted into a small museum. In another room you can develop your art and craft skills by imagining your own pieces of crockery and you will be give professional help to make them. Finally the Arafat soap factory should be visited just for the sake of its painted doors. In all four corners of the building the ancient doors have been decorated by the children and  young people of the Old City, as part of a workshop for artistic expression.