Nablus Soap Factories

The soap factories of Nablus are a profound testament to a craft that has defined the city's economy and identity since at least the 10th century. Known globally as Nabulsi soap, this prized product is made from three simple, natural ingredients: pure virgin olive oil from Palestinian groves, water, and an alkaline sodium compound. The production takes place in historic stone factories within the Old City, where the mixture is slow-cooked in massive vats before being poured across vast floors to cool and harden. A hallmark of the Nablus soap tradition is the artistic way the soap cubes are stacked; they are arranged in tall, hollow, conical towers to facilitate air drying, creating a striking architectural display inside the factories. Historically, Nabulsi soap was the primary export of the region, traded extensively throughout the Ottoman Empire and beyond. Today, visiting these factories features a rare glimpse into a traditional industrial process that has survived for over a millennium, maintaining its reputation for purity and artisanal excellence.

Nearby cities

East Jerusalem

East Jerusalem includes the Old City and major religious sites such as the Dome of the Rock.

Nablus Old City

The Old City is famous for its historic market and traditional soap factories.

Nablus

Nablus is situated between Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim and is famous for its traditional soap production.

Tulkarm

Tulkarm is located in the northwest West Bank on the edge of the Sharon plain.

Ramallah

Ramallah is the political and economic administrative center of the West Bank.

Qalqilya

Qalqilya is a city in the West Bank almost entirely surrounded by the separation barrier.

Al-Bireh

Al-Bireh is adjacent to Ramallah, forming a continuous urban area.

Jenin

Jenin is a historic city in the northern West Bank at the southern edge of the Jezreel Valley.

Al-Ram

Al-Ram is located north of Jerusalem and is a busy commercial and residential area.

Jericho

Jericho is considered one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, located deep below sea level.

Qabatiya

Qabatiya is located south of Jenin and is a major center for the extraction and processing of natural stone.

Al-Eizariya

Al-Eizariya is historically known as Bethany and is located on the eastern slope of the Mount of Olives.

Beit Jala

Beit Jala is a predominantly Christian town west of Bethlehem.

Al-Yamun

Al-Yamun is located northwest of Jenin and is known for its olive cultivation and rich history.

Tubas

Tubas is in the northeastern West Bank overlooking the Jordan Valley.

History & landmarks

Old City of Ramallah

The historical center of Ramallah preserves many Ottoman-era stone houses and serves as a vibrant cultural hub.