Inscription of Aleppo Ghar Soap on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List… the imprint of history in the face of challenges

Aleppo Ghar (laurel)  soap was inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity on Tuesday.

This recognition is a tribute to the traditional art of Aleppo soap makers throughout the ages, and an embodiment of the resilience of the city of Aleppo and its people who have faced, and continue to face, the scourge of war, economic sanctions and the devastating effects of terrorism.

The inscription was announced during the 19th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage held in Paraguay.

The focus was on the importance of the Aleppo Ghar soap making craft, which dates back more than 4,000 years. This craft represents the Syrian cultural identity and the ingenuity of its people, as it is passed down from generation to generation, despite the challenges.

The people of Aleppo have preserved their national identity and presented us with a legacy that bears witness to the values of sustainability and solidarity, values that the world can learn from, especially as Syria faces a difficult reality of war, displacement, unjust economic sanctions, attempts to divide countries, exterminate peoples and erase their history.

“This milestone comes at a critical juncture for Aleppo, a city that is over 12,000 years old and still faces new and complex challenges,” said Fares Kallas, a member of the Board of Trustees of the Syria Trust for Development.

“The recent siege by extremist forces has posed a great threat to people’s lives, disrupted their livelihoods, and threatened Aleppo’s cultural identity, which has long been a pillar of its resilience.”he added.

“This designation goes beyond just recognition of heritage, it is a living testament to the spirit of Aleppo, a beacon of hope and a testament to Aleppo’s unwavering determination to protect its identity in the face of all odds and challenges,”Kallas expressed.

Today, Aleppo’s Ghar soap makers face daunting challenges, including the destruction of historic soap factories, economic instability, and the effects of ongoing war, yet artisans continue to carry on this ancient craft to ensure its survival in a rapidly changing world.