Decline, Occupation, and Survival

From Decline to Survival: Nablusi Soap Under Occupation
By the late 19th century, Nablus had around 30 soap factories. By 1904, that number had dropped to 16. Still, production remained strong.

The real collapse came in the 20th century.

Colonial Policies and Economic Control

Under the British Mandate, customs taxes were imposed on Palestinian soap, while foreign imports were allowed freely. Syrian and Egyptian markets added additional fees. At the same time, imitation products flooded the market under the name “Nablusi soap,” with no legal protection for the original craft.

After 1967, Israeli occupation policies targeted Palestinian industries systematically. Cheap imported soaps flooded local markets. Factories closed one by one. During the Second Intifada, several soap factories were directly bombed in Nablus.

By 2012, only four factories remained. By the end of 2021, nine were officially registered.
And yet — the craft survived.

Survival Against Erasure

Despite occupation, destruction, and economic strangulation, Nablusi soap continues to be made. It is exported to countries across the Arab world and beyond — including Japan, Korea, and Peru.

Each bar today represents survival against erasure.