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Article: The perfumes of Arabia.(the role of perfumes in the history of the Middle East)
- Article from:
- The Middle East
- Article date:
- January 1, 1999
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 1999 IC Publications Ltd. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Perfumes have played an essential part in the lives of t he people of the Middle East for thousands of years.
In markets as far afield as the Khan el Khalili in the old city of Cairo to the five acre site of covered stalls in the ancient walled city of Kano in northern Nigeria the odour of attar of roses, sweet jasmine and the spicier ambience created by oud, frankincense and sandalwood, encapsulate the very spirit of Islamic culture.
The perfumes of Arabia represent the vibrant texture of Islamic life, with all its religious, medical and scientific ramifications. So, although these exotic fragrances are prized for their obviously sensuous and heady ...