WRITTEN IN FRENCH
Designed as a journey, this work takes you from Muscat to Marrakech, to discover perfumes in Arab culture.
Since Antiquity, Arabia, the land of origin of myrrh and incense, has been the crossroads for the trade in precious spices and aromatics, such as the mythical oud or mysterious...
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WRITTEN IN FRENCH
Designed as a journey, this work takes you from Muscat to Marrakech, to discover perfumes in Arab culture.
Since Antiquity, Arabia, the land of origin of myrrh and incense, has been the crossroads for the trade in precious spices and aromatics, such as the mythical oud or mysterious musk. So many wonders, brought by caravans from the eastern confines of the world, which will spread on the shores of the Mediterranean and the Euphrates.
Added to these historical and commercial traditions is the strong taste of the prophet of Islam for perfumes. Didn't he say that he loved nothing more than women, perfumes and prayer? Also, Arab-Muslim civilization is a civilization of scents: perfumes permeate everyone's life and accompany both social and intimate practices.
Enriched with contributions from more than twenty perfume specialists, including noses, sourcers, but also engineers, sociologists and historians, this work highlights an art that is as evanescent as it is captivating, which still structures an entire culture today. From the rose fields of the Drâa valley to the saffron streets of the medina, from the heady scents of the souk to the sacred fumigations of the temple, from the jasmine gardens to the aromas of honey and orange blossom of oriental cuisine, let yourself be carried away in the fascinating and sensual world of oriental perfumes.
Exhibition at the Arab World Institute, from September 26, 2023 to March 17, 2024
French
224 pages / 150 illustrations
Co-publishing Skira / Institut du monde arabe
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