The Ancient Art of Aleppo Soap Making: A 4000-Year Tradition

# The Ancient Art of Aleppo Soap Making: A 4000-Year Tradition

Aleppo soap, known in Arabic as "Sabun Ghar," holds the distinguished title of being the world's first soap. With origins dating back over 4000 years to the ancient city of Aleppo, Syria, this remarkable soap has stood the test of time.

## The Birthplace of Soap

The city of Aleppo, located in northwestern Syria, was once a thriving center of trade and craftsmanship. Syrian artisans discovered that by combining olive oil with an alkaline solution, they could create a cleansing substance far superior to anything that existed before.

## The Traditional Recipe

Authentic Aleppo soap contains only two primary ingredients:

- **Olive Oil** - The base of the soap, providing deep moisturization
- **Laurel Berry Oil** - Added in varying percentages (typically 2-40%), providing antibacterial properties

## The Time-Honored Process

The traditional method spans nearly a year:

1. **The Cooking Phase** - Master soap makers heat olive oil in stone vats for several days
2. **Adding the Laurel** - Precious laurel berry oil is carefully stirred in
3. **The Spread** - The mixture is poured onto large sheets to cool
4. **Cutting and Stamping** - Each bar is cut and stamped by hand
5. **The Aging Process** - Bars age for 6-9 months, turning golden-brown outside while remaining green inside

## Why Tradition Matters

In an age of industrial production, Aleppo soap stands as a testament to simplicity. The traditional methods create soap that is completely natural, biodegradable, and suitable for the most sensitive skin.