Essence

Story

Take a closer look at our name, SYMGARIAK, and you’ll notice the letters of Syria - the heart of our mission to share its timeless beauty and craftsmanship with the world. At its center lies gar, a nod to Ghar soap, another name for the legendary Aleppo soap that inspired it all.

As Syrian Americans, we cherished our visits to Syria, and one thing that always stayed with us was the distinctive scent and texture of the local bar soaps, something we could hardly ever find back home in the United States. Little did we know then that these bars are among the oldest soaps in the world, carefully crafted for centuries by skilled artisans in Syria, particularly in one special city. Each bar carries the heritage of its makers, and the memory of its fragrance always brings us back home.

If you’re new to Aleppo soap (don’t worry, most people are), here’s a quick history lesson: these prisms are crafted using a traditional 100% natural formula with no animal fats or chemical additives that dates back over 2,000 years in the ancient city of Aleppo. Once a bustling hub along the Silk Road, Aleppo was famed for its trade and craftsmanship. Legends say that notable figures like Queen Cleopatra and Queen Zenobia favored this soap, a testament to its timeless appeal and cleansing benefits.

Craftsmanship

Making Aleppo soap involves a traditional process that starts with cooking the oils with soda derived from sea salt in big cauldrons. The paste is then poured onto the floor to cool and harden.

Once hardened, the soap is cut with special rakes into blocks and stamped with the producer's mark. The blocks are then stacked in towers to aerate and dry for up to nine months in ancient cool and breezy cellars. As the soap ages, it hardens, and its ready for use. 

 

Shelf Life and Storage

Aleppo soap has an impressively long shelf life thanks to its natural ingredients and traditional saponification process. To maintain its quality and longevity, follow these simple storage tips:

• Store in a Cool, Dry Place: Keep your Aleppo soap away from direct sunlight and moisture to preserve its texture and fragrance.
• Keep It Away from Water: To prevent the soap from becoming soggy or developing mold, avoid leaving it in standing water. Use a well-draining soap dish to allow excess water to escape.
• Allow Maximum Air Exposure: Let your soap air-dry in a well-ventilated area. This helps the bar harden and ensures it lasts longer.

These care practices help preserve the character and quality of traditional artisan Aleppo soap over time.

 

Sustainability

Traditional Aleppo soap is produced using a simple formulation based on natural oils such as olive oil and bay laurel oil. These ingredients are commonly recognized as biodegradable when used in traditional soap-making processes.

The production method follows long-established practices that avoid the use of animal fats and focus on minimal processing, reflecting a restrained and traditional approach to soap-making.

 

Conclusion

Aleppo soap represents more than a traditional household product. It is a living craft shaped by centuries of history, culture, and artisanal knowledge. Made following time-honored methods, it reflects a commitment to simplicity, heritage, and authenticity.

From the historic workshops of Aleppo to the fragrant streets of Damascus, the region has long been a crossroads of craftsmanship and tradition. Through SYMGARIAK, our mission is to share a piece of this heritage with the world while supporting the artisans who continue these ancient practices.

Offered as a traditional artisan household soap and cultural gift item, each piece celebrates enduring craftsmanship and the stories carried through generations.