The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates announced today that UNESCO has officially inscribed the Nabulsi soap-making tradition onto its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The decision was adopted during the 19th session of UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, held from December 2-7, 2024, in Asuncion, Paraguay.
Preserving Palestinian Cultural Heritage
The Ministry hailed the inclusion as a landmark decision for preserving Palestinian cultural heritage at the international level. Nabulsi soap-making is a centuries-old tradition deeply embedded in the Palestinian identity, symbolizing not just a craft but an enduring cultural legacy. This decision, the Ministry emphasized, reinforces global recognition of Palestinian traditions and defends them against threats of erasure, particularly in the context of ongoing Israeli occupation.
The Foreign Ministry also expressed its gratitude to the member states that supported Palestine’s nomination during the UNESCO session. These efforts, it stated, contribute to safeguarding the authenticity and continuity of Palestinian cultural and historical narratives.
The Tradition of Nabulsi Soap
Nabulsi soap, named after its origin city, Nablus, is made from three simple, natural ingredients: olive oil, water, and lye. The production process, carried out after the olive harvest, is a family-centered tradition. Men and women work together in every stage of the craft, while children often assist with cutting and packaging the soap. Each family adds its distinctive stamp to the soap, which is stored for a year before use.
This soap has been cherished not only for its quality but also for its cultural significance. It serves as a means of connecting communities, often exchanged as gifts during weddings, birthdays, and other celebrations. Families also gift the soap to visitors, fostering cultural dialogue and showcasing Palestinian craftsmanship.
In addition to its domestic importance, the soap-making tradition is passed down through hands-on training in family workshops, olive presses, and farms. Organizations and educational programs also teach this heritage craft, and it has gained visibility through films and social media.
A Global Achievement for Palestine
The Foreign Ministry extended its appreciation to all national and international entities involved in the nomination process, including Palestine’s mission to UNESCO, the Ministry of Culture, and the National Commission for Education, Culture, and Science. These collaborative efforts ensured the nomination met UNESCO’s criteria, leading to this historic recognition.
The Ministry underlined that Palestinian tangible and intangible heritage embodies the deep connection of its people to their land and history. As part of this cultural affirmation, UNESCO also recognized the art of henna drawing and associated traditions as a shared Arab cultural element.
Call to Protect Cultural Heritage
Reiterating its commitment to preserving Palestinian heritage, the Ministry called on the international community to protect Palestinian culture from what it described as “ongoing attempts at genocide” by the Israeli occupation. It urged global actors to safeguard the Palestinian people’s inalienable cultural and historical rights.
A Testament to Resilience
The inclusion of Nabulsi soap-making on UNESCO’s heritage list is a testament to the resilience and creativity of the Palestinian people. It highlights the importance of preserving traditional crafts and the stories they carry, ensuring they continue to enrich human history for generations to come.
The decision is a victory for both cultural preservation and the broader struggle to protect and honor Palestinian heritage in the face of adversity.
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