UNESCO grants heritage status to Aleppo soap as Syria war flares.

UNESCO has granted heritage status to Aleppo soap, a tradition with roots over 3,000 years old, recognizing it as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity. Artisans in Syria’s second city have preserved ancient methods, crafting the soap from olive and laurel oils through a meticulous process that includes months of drying and hand-stamping.

Aleppo, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1986, has faced devastating impacts from Syria’s civil war, with its historic old city and traditional industries endangered. Of the 100 soap factories once thriving in Aleppo, only 10 remain, while many have relocated to Damascus or neighboring Turkey. Despite these challenges, Aleppo soap continues to symbolize resilience, community, and tradition.

The honor extends to Nabulsi soap in Palestine, which is crafted with local olive oil, water, and lye. Families preserve the knowledge across generations, producing the soap after harvest and stamping it with their unique seals. These designations highlight the cultural significance of traditional soap-making as symbols of identity, unity, and sustainability amid conflict and displacement.