Although the origin of Fragrance is placed in Ancient Egypt, it was the Arabs who knew how to perfect and develop new techniques for the manufacture of fragrances. So much so that they managed to have a monopoly on the trade of aromas and spices.
At DIVAIN we explore the history of Fragrance and today we make a stop in the ancient civilization of Arabia to teach you all about the Arab Fragrance and its influence on the rest of the world.
History of Fragrance in Arabia
Ancient South Arabia was very different from the desert it is today, lush and full of aromatic plants, it was an area known as the land of Fragrances. In fact, in the sacred book of Islam, the Quran, paradise is described as a scented place full of gardens and trees, great rivers, and with a strong smell of musk Fragrance.
Already in the 10th century, Avicenna, a renowned Arab philosopher and physician, introduced to the Muslim world rose water, that was used to perfume or scent the rooms of the house. It was the key element for the creation of aromas, so much so that it was considered as symbol of purity and the wisdom of Allah.
Alchemy in Fragrances and the Arabs
It was the Arabs who applied alchemy to the Fragrance industry. This new science aimed to achieve "the fifth essence" from plants by extracting their essential oils through distillation technique.
The Arabs took advantage in the development of alchemy amid the decline of the Fragrance industry in the West. They were the ones who perfected the alembic to distill alcohol, which they used to obtain the base of the Fragrance. This meant the rapid expansion, trade, and popularity in the Middle Ages and a revolution in the way of making Fragrances.
The arrival of the Arabs in Spain
The Crusades (1096-1291) was a key period for the introduction of the Fragrances in the West, since it was the soldiers returning to Europe from their military campaigns who brought perfumes and essences unknown in their countries.
With the arrival of the Arabs to Spain, the Fragrance traveled a new route: it reached France, a country that knew how to industrialize it. Also, Granada and Seville became Fragrance centers very important comparable to Baghdad and Damascus.
Such was the importance they gave to aromas that Al-Hakam I, third Umayyad emir of Córdoba, ordered his servant to bring him musk and algalia to fragrance his beard. In case he was beheaded by the rebels, his head in the other world would stand out for its aroma. Similarly, his successor Al-Hakam II ordered the construction of the pulpit of the mosque of Córdoba with aromatic woods like ebony or sandalwood.
Even after the expulsion of the Arabs from the peninsula, the perfumers were the only privileged ones who were spared and could stay in Spain. If they had left, they would have taken with them the treasure of their secrets: the unmatched formulas to create their Fragrances.
The best Arabian Fragrances
The Arabs were specialists in combining aromatic oils and essences florals, woody notes, and spices that give rise to simple aromas full of freshness and elegance. In DIVAIN we have a wide Fragrance catalog among which you can find the best Arabian Fragrances. Discover them!
DIVAIN-338
Our DIVAIN-338 it is an Arabian Fragrance for women and men inspired by the purebred Arabian horses. Its top notes of cardamom, lavender, and red thyme blend with an elegant heart of rose, patchouli, and vetiver. A completely new combination of spices, musk, and woody notes that will captivate all your senses.
DIVAIN-709
Like the previous Fragrance, DIVAIN-709 is inspired by a purebred horse known as Safanad, which means “The pure”. Its delicate top notes of orange and pear perfectly combine with a floral heart and a sweet, woody base of vanilla, amber, and sandalwood. Beauty and elegance of this breed captured in a single bottle.
DIVAIN-314
Its aroma will take you to the legends surrounding the ancient Silk Road from China to Arabia. DIVAIN-314 it's a full masculine explosion of oriental ingredients where its top notes like pink pepper, saffron, incense, and nutmeg blend with a heart of myrrh and geranium to end melting into a woody base of leather, patchouli, cedar, and musk.
DIVAIN-609
And to finish, our Arabian fragrance for women bolder and more romantic.DIVAIN-609 it's a whole world of sensations that will transport you to a paradise garden. Notes sweet and floral that evoke the purest, most intense, and real love. You will fall in love!
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