Tradition of Nabulsi Soap Making in Palestine

Nabulsi soap is a traditional handmade soap produced in Palestine using three local natural ingredients: olive oil, water, and lye. Families usually make it after the olive harvest, then stamp, cut, package, and store it for about a year before use or sale.
The craft is practiced by many families, with men, women, and children taking part in different stages of production, from preparation to cutting and packaging. The knowledge is passed down through hands-on practice within families, farms, olive presses, and small workshops, while organizations, films, and social media also help promote it today.
The use of olive oil reflects the close relationship between the community and nature. Nabulsi soap is also offered as a personal gift during weddings, birthdays, and visits, strengthening family ties, hospitality, and community connection.

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Tradition of Nabulsi Soap Making in Palestine was inscribed in 2024 on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in Palestine.