Ottoman Soap Factories of Nablus – Home of Palestine’s Famous Olive-Oil Soap

A living craft passed down through generations in the heart of the Old City

Overview

Nablus is world-renowned for its traditional olive-oil soap, a craft that has flourished in the city for centuries. The Old City once housed more than 30 soap factories during the Ottoman period, producing soap adored throughout the region and exported across the Mediterranean. Several historic factories still operate today, such as the Touqan, Shaka’a, and Badee families, preserving the time-honored methods of mixing pure olive oil, baking the soap paste, hand-cutting the blocks, and stacking them in iconic cone-shaped towers to dry.

Visiting these factories offers a vivid experience of living Palestinian heritage. The scent of olive oil, the heat from the large vats, and the rhythm of craftsmen at work bring to life a tradition that reflects both the economic and cultural history of Nablus. For travelers, the soap factories provide a fascinating look at artisanal production that remains largely unchanged for generations.

Cultural and Historic Significance

Olive-oil soap is deeply connected to the agricultural and cultural identity of Palestine. It reflects a heritage rooted in local olives, traditional craftsmanship, and the family-run enterprises that have sustained Nablus for centuries. Historically, Nabulsi soap was an important regional export and a symbol of Palestinian quality and resilience. The soap factories represent the ingenuity and continuity of local industry, surviving earthquakes, political upheavals, and economic challenges while maintaining their authentic methods.

Highlights & Experiences

Tour historic soap factories still using traditional Ottoman-era production methods.
Watch craftsmen mix, pour, cut, and stack soap in the factory’s main hall.
Learn about the local olive-oil industry and its connection to Nablus’s heritage.
View displays of antique tools, molds, and packaging used over generations.
Purchase authentic Nabulsi soap directly from producers in the Old City.
Enjoy storytelling from factory families who have carried on the craft for over a century.

Visitor Information

  • Location: Various sites within the Old City of Nablus.
  • Recommended Visit Duration: 20–40 minutes.
  • Best Time to Visit: Mornings, when production is most active.
  • Accessibility: Some factories have stairs and uneven floors; ask ahead if needed.
  • Tip: Many factories welcome drop-in visitors; guided Old City tours usually include a soap factory stop.