The ancient craft of Nabulsi soap-making now has world heritage status
It was wonderful to hear last year that UNESCO was naming Nabulsi soap-making an ‘intangible world heritage’ craft. We have been selling beautiful soap from Nablus here at Zaytoun since 2023 and its newly announced status prompted us to check in with Adnan Tbeleh, Managing Director of the Nablus Soap Company and get an update on his 400-year-old business, dating back to 1611.
“The Tbeleh family took over this old business in 1971,” he says. “It’s evolved over the years and today very much brings together ancient techniques and modern advancements. So it is still very much an artisanal skill. We have 20 employees here, 12 men and 8 women, who are highly trained in soap-making. This is methodology has passed through the generations and involves sourcing the highest quality raw materials, mixing ingredients to achieve perfect saponification, and then precise cutting, drying, and packaging.”
“Our soap has to compete both locally and globally – and so quality is our first, second and third priority!” he adds. He goes on to list all the awards and certifications he is proud to have garnered for his products.
Adnan represents the latest generation carrying on a tradition in Nablus that goes back over a thousand years. Nablus was the heart of this specialised industry partly due to its central position in Palestine, and also as it was surrounded by the olive trees that provided the main ingredient of this special soap – organic virgin olive oil. Today up to 40% of the oil is still sourced locally. Local West Bank farmers can get a better price for their oil internationally, so Adnan also sources cheaper oil from Turkey and Italy. The quality of the oil is paramount as this ensures the soap’s purity, effectiveness, and moisturising benefits, setting it apart from mass-produced alternatives.
“I’d like our soap to be in every house in the UK and Ireland, and after that – the world!”
For Adnan and his team at the Nablus Soap Company, it is a source of immense pride that their handcrafted soap has gained recognition in the UK and Ireland as part of the Zaytoun range. Each bar serves as both a symbol of Palestinian heritage and a meaningful souvenir from this ancient land. Asked about his ambitions, Adnan says “I’d like our soap to be in every house in the UK and Ireland, and after that – the world!”
Adnan has a vision of growing the company and its reach while never compromising on its total commitment to quality. He is very grateful to all those who go out of their way to buy soap from Palestine. Every purchase puts his commitment to quality on the line, and at the same times tells Adnan of UK consumer solidarity with the people and culture of Palestine. He appreciates export audiences knowing more about the everyday challenges he and his fellow Palestinians have to live and work with due to the occupation.
“There are many checkpoints that delay the arrival of employees getting to work, and they often do not get here at all due to the restrictions and delays that occur at the checkpoints. These checkpoints separate the cities of the West Bank and even the neighbouring villages from each other. This will also often mean employees get home really late which is to be avoided, especially for women.”
“For this reason, there can be delays in completing orders, delays in shipping and all matters related to delivering orders to the port.”
Despite the difficult realities of living under occupation, he like all Palestinians, is very resilient and focused on keeping the business thriving. He says, “To those of you who choose Zaytoun Nablus Soap, we extend our deepest gratitude. Your appreciation for our craft not only supports our business but also preserves a rich Palestinian heritage.”
“We promise to continue delivering exceptional quality – and embracing innovation to meet your needs.”
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