Damascus, April 18 (SANA) Natural perfume production in Syria is expanding through home-based projects led by women who have turned traditional skills into small businesses, combining heritage craftsmanship with economic necessity.
The craft of perfume-making involves extracting and blending scents from natural sources such as flowers and herbs, using precise proportions to create balanced, long-lasting fragrances.
While it may appear simple, the process requires detailed knowledge of raw materials and a refined ability to distinguish and harmonize scents.
Ramia Roumieh, one of the women working in the field, said her project began at home, inspired by the Damask rose grown in the countryside around Damascus. She focuses on distilling aromatic plants to produce rose water, as well as natural hair and skincare products, emphasizing the importance of high-quality ingredients to ensure consistency.
She later expanded her work by improving packaging design to appeal to younger customers after receiving training in gift arrangement. This allowed her to diversify into preparing gift sets for occasions such as weddings and graduations.
Participation in exhibitions and local bazaars has helped her gain experience and reach new customers.
Safaa al-Qeeqi highlighted another dimension of the craft, describing perfume-making as a cumulative skill developed through experimentation. She said she learned the basics within her family before refining her techniques through practical training and collaboration with specialists.
According to al-Qeeqi, perfume production depends on key components such as high-quality essential oils, perfume-grade alcohol, and distilled water, all blended in carefully measured ratios to ensure stability and quality.
She stressed the importance of continuous learning and keeping up with modern techniques, noting that exhibitions have helped expand marketing opportunities and increase production capacity.
Syria’s perfume industry dates back centuries, with Damascus historically known as a center for natural fragrances, particularly rose and jasmine products used in essential oils and rose water.
Today, perfume-making has evolved from a home-based activity into a productive craft that supports women’s economic empowerment, while preserving traditional knowledge in a form that meets modern market demand and creates opportunities for broader reach.
M.Q.R
