Qassem Abu Khalaf and Malak Hijazi turn to fragrance as a way to remember and celebrate Palestinian identity while hoping for peace.
Capturing Palestinian Heritage Through Scent
Capturing Palestinian Heritage Through Scent
A young couple in Jerusalem creates perfumes that reflect their rich cultural history amidst ongoing conflict
Out in the sun-kissed fields of the Jordan Valley, where Palestinian women openly harmonize with the rhythm of centuries-old folk songs as they diligently gather olives, the air is thick with history and resilience. It is within this context that Qassem Abu Khalaf and his wife, Malak Hijazi, have crafted a unique line of perfumes designed not only to evoke the beauty of their homeland but also to tell their people's story.
The couple, hailing from Beit Hanina in occupied East Jerusalem, have named their fragrance collection "Mejana," inspired by the traditional songs of their ancestors that symbolize joy, nostalgia, and shared heritage. “Our intent is to deliver a message that embodies our culture and the scents of our soil,” Qassem explains, as he shares insight into their aromatic creations born from meticulous research and an expansive repository of natural ingredients. Qassem is an experienced materials engineer with a passion for perfumery, while Malak enriches their journey as an English and special needs educator.
However, their aromatic ambitions faced a setback with the recent conflict in Gaza that disrupted their pursuit of commercial success. Following the brand's launch on September 27, their initial efforts to introduce their products at local bazaars came to an abrupt halt due to the outbreak of violence. “The shops in the Old City are devoid of tourists now, reliant solely on local patrons,” shares Qassem, reflecting on the current market climate. Despite these challenges, the couple has found a niche, successfully reaching customers in the Palestinian diaspora, especially in Australia.
Their first two fragrances, Zaref Atool and Rozana, each carry significant historical narratives. Zaref Atool, intended to evoke the charm of Jerusalem’s ancient alleys, draws its name from a beloved song about longing for one's homeland. Rozana pays homage to a ship that once inspired hope during a devastating famine but ultimately failed to deliver salvation, representing a poignant chapter in Palestinian memory.
In crafting their scents, Qassem and Malak strive to connect the present to the past, each bottle a narrative artifact and memory trigger. Notably, their new collection arrives in specially designed wooden capsules adorned with a key motif, symbolizing the lost homes of countless Palestinians during the 1948 war. “The key signifies both remembrance and our roots; a scent can evoke beautiful memories of our childhoods,” emphasizes Malak.
As they navigate the complexities of their entrepreneurial journey—and the recent arrival of their daughter, Sadeel—they strive to remain optimistic. “In a time of turmoil, we hope for peace and tranquility for our family and our community,” Qassem concludes, embodying the resilience and hope that their fragrances aim to encapsulate.
The couple, hailing from Beit Hanina in occupied East Jerusalem, have named their fragrance collection "Mejana," inspired by the traditional songs of their ancestors that symbolize joy, nostalgia, and shared heritage. “Our intent is to deliver a message that embodies our culture and the scents of our soil,” Qassem explains, as he shares insight into their aromatic creations born from meticulous research and an expansive repository of natural ingredients. Qassem is an experienced materials engineer with a passion for perfumery, while Malak enriches their journey as an English and special needs educator.
However, their aromatic ambitions faced a setback with the recent conflict in Gaza that disrupted their pursuit of commercial success. Following the brand's launch on September 27, their initial efforts to introduce their products at local bazaars came to an abrupt halt due to the outbreak of violence. “The shops in the Old City are devoid of tourists now, reliant solely on local patrons,” shares Qassem, reflecting on the current market climate. Despite these challenges, the couple has found a niche, successfully reaching customers in the Palestinian diaspora, especially in Australia.
Their first two fragrances, Zaref Atool and Rozana, each carry significant historical narratives. Zaref Atool, intended to evoke the charm of Jerusalem’s ancient alleys, draws its name from a beloved song about longing for one's homeland. Rozana pays homage to a ship that once inspired hope during a devastating famine but ultimately failed to deliver salvation, representing a poignant chapter in Palestinian memory.
In crafting their scents, Qassem and Malak strive to connect the present to the past, each bottle a narrative artifact and memory trigger. Notably, their new collection arrives in specially designed wooden capsules adorned with a key motif, symbolizing the lost homes of countless Palestinians during the 1948 war. “The key signifies both remembrance and our roots; a scent can evoke beautiful memories of our childhoods,” emphasizes Malak.
As they navigate the complexities of their entrepreneurial journey—and the recent arrival of their daughter, Sadeel—they strive to remain optimistic. “In a time of turmoil, we hope for peace and tranquility for our family and our community,” Qassem concludes, embodying the resilience and hope that their fragrances aim to encapsulate.
