Name/Title
"A Soap Factory in Nablus" (1940)Entry/Object ID
2022.009.1Tags
On ViewDescription
Nabulsi soap is a type of castile soap produced only in Nablus. It's chief ingredients are virgin olive oil (the main agricultural product of the region), water, and an alkaline sodium compound. After the soap is mixed, the ingredients are poured into a shallow basin on the floor, and evenly distributed. After the soap hardens, artisans cover the soap with a fabric and peel it back as they cut each block of soap. After the soap is cut, they are then wrapped with tissue and prepared for sale.
Traditionally, the soap was made by women for household use. It had become a significant industry for Nablus by the 14th century. In 1907, the city's 30 Nabulsi soap factories were supplying half the soap in Palestine. The industry declined during the mid-20th century following the destruction caused by the 1927 Jericho earthquake and later, from the Israeli military occupation. As of 2008, only two soap factories survive in Nablus.
Medium 1 Negative: Glass, Dry Plate
Photographed: June 12, 1940Photograph Details
Type of Photograph
Carbon PrintCollection
Permanent Collection
