Nablus, a city rich in history and culture, is renowned for its vibrant tradition of handcrafts. These crafts are not merely products; they are a living testament to centuries of heritage, skill, and a deep connection to the land. From the city’s bustling Old City to its ancient factories, the art of handcrafting has been passed down through generations, each item telling a unique story.
The Art of Nabulsi Soap
Perhaps the most iconic of Nablus’s handcrafts is its soap, known as Nabulsi soap (ṣābūn Nābulsi). This hard, ivory-colored soap has been produced in the city since the 10th century and has a reputation for being a fine, pure product. The traditional recipe is simple yet effective, using only three primary ingredients: virgin olive oil, water, and an alkaline sodium compound derived from the ashes of the barilla plant.
The soap-making process is a meticulous art form. The ingredients are cooked in large copper vats for days, continuously stirred with a wooden tool. Once the liquid soap solidifies, it is spread out to set, then cut into its distinctive cube shape and stamped with the factory’s seal. The soap cubes are then stacked in hollow, cone-like structures to dry and cure for a period of several months to a year. While the number of soap factories has declined from its peak in the 19th century, efforts are ongoing to preserve this vital part of Nabulsi and Palestinian cultural heritage.
The Symbolic Keffiyeh
Another significant handcraft from Nablus is the keffiyeh, the traditional checkered scarf that has become a global symbol of Palestinian identity. While many keffiyehs today are mass-produced internationally, Nablus is home to one of the last remaining factories in Palestine that weaves them using traditional methods. The threads, often imported, are spun on old textile machines by a small team of artisans. The patterns on the keffiyeh hold deep meaning: the fishnet pattern symbolizes the connection to the Mediterranean Sea, the olive leaves represent the economic significance of olive trees and a deep connection to the land, and the bold lines stand for trade routes.
Other Notable Handcrafts
Beyond soap and textiles, Nablus’s Old City is a hub for other traditional crafts. While some of these may be more common throughout Palestine, Nablus’s artisans have their own unique touch. These include:
- Olive Wood Carving: The region’s abundant olive trees provide the perfect medium for carving beautiful and intricate items. Artisans use simple hand tools to create everything from religious figures and ornaments to kitchen utensils.
- Pottery and Glassware: While Hebron is particularly famous for its glass and pottery, Nablus also has a tradition of producing these items, with techniques passed down through generations.
- Sweet Confections: The craft of creating traditional sweets is a major part of Nablus’s identity. Kunafeh Nabulsieh, a dessert made with shredded phyllo dough and sweet Nabulsi cheese, is a world-renowned delicacy that originated in the city. Other traditional sweets like Tamriyeh and Halawa are also a testament to the city’s culinary artistry.
The handcrafts of Nablus are more than just commercial products; they are a reflection of the city’s enduring spirit and its people’s resilience. They are a tangible link to the past and a way of preserving cultural identity for future generations.