Damascus ,Jan .24 (SANA) In the ancient alleyways of Old Damascus, particularly in the historic Souq al-Attarine (the Perfumers’ Market), the scent of roses and jasmine breathes centuries-old stories.
Here, the craft of “perfume blending” endures as a refined skill that merges sensory intuition with scientific precision a tradition passed down through generations for nearly 200 years. Deeply woven into the cultural and social fabric of Damascenes, this heritage faces mounting challenges today, yet it remains firmly rooted in the city’s memory and the hearts of its people.
Perfume: A Tripartite Blend of Art and Science
Master perfumer Riad Al-Najar, who has practiced the craft since 1998, explains that perfume-making is far from random mixing. It is a meticulous process built upon three aromatic “notes”: Top Notes: Fresh and fleeting citrus scents that evaporate quickly Middle (Heart) Notes Emerge minutes after application, often floral or spicy and Base Notes: Deep, long-lasting accords such as musk, amber, oud and patchouli.
Al-Najar adds that a complete perfume formulation also includes concentrated essential oils (floral, citrus, woody, or spicy), ethyl alcohol as a solvent, fixatives to prolong the scent’s longevity, and occasionally water to dilute concentration.
Scent, Skill, and Sensitivity: The Perfumer’s Toolkit
Al-Najar emphasizes that “creativity in perfumery lies in the relentless pursuit of the perfect blend.” He stresses that the core skill of a true perfumer is an exceptionally sharp sense of smell capable of distinguishing individual aromas and their subtle nuances with precision.
“Perfumers must do more than recognize oil types,” he says. “They must understand how they interact with one another and how they evolve over time and across environments.”
A Changing Market, Expanding Aromas
Following years of crisis, Syria’s local market has recently seen a resurgence in the diversity of raw materials. With the return of imports, perfumers can now source essential oils from around the world particularly from France and Germany, the historic capitals of fine fragrance, as well as from Gulf countries.
Despite the global presence of international brands, demand remains strong for traditional eastern perfumes oud, musk, amber, and sandalwood, prized for their intensity and remarkable staying power.
Al-Najar highlights a special place in this tradition for one iconic flower:
“Jasmine is the foundation of all classic perfumes. Any authentic Damascene fragrance must carry a touch of jasmine.”
Local Scents, Unforgettable Gifts
Even amid the dominance of global luxury labels, many consumers still favor locally-blended perfumes for their personalized character and competitive pricing. This enduring appeal keeps the craft vibrant and attractive to younger generations, especially given its integral role in social and religious occasions.
Exporting Talent, Not Bottles
While there is no formal export of Syrian perfumes, it is Syrian expertise that has traveled far and wide. According to Al-Najar, countless Syrians have carried this craft with them to abroad, opening perfume shops in neighboring countries like Egypt and Jordan, and even across Europe. “Wherever a Syrian settles, he leaves a mark through his work and artistry,” Al-Najar says proudly.
He concludes by noting that Damascene-blended perfumes remain among the most cherished gifts carried abroad by Syrians; “To this day, our compatriots take bottles of locally crafted perfume with them as presents, because nothing carries the memory of home more powerfully than its scent.”
Iman al-Zuheiri/ Mazen
