Braik Mill (Abdul Haqq Soap Factory)
The significance of this building lies in its central role in Nablus' history and traditional industries, including the renowned Nabulsi soap industry, the longstanding apothecary profession, and the city's food and confectionery preparations.
The building functioned as a soap shop and factory, owned by the Al-Khammash family and managed by the Abdul-Haqq family. Production ceased in 1985, and the building was neglected until 1991, when the Braik family acquired and restored it, converting it into a spice mill while preserving the original soap factory layout.
The ground floor housed the key elements of soap manufacturing - the soap pots, ovens for heating the olive oil mixture, and storage for raw materials like olive oil and peat. The upper floor was dedicated to the more complex soap-making tasks of pouring, drying, cutting, and packaging the final product before export.
The soap industry was the backbone of Nablus' economy, with the city's soap exports reaching throughout the Arab world and Europe, making Nablus an essential economic center in Palestine.
The building's new function as a spice mill now highlights another vital traditional craft in Nablus - the apothecary profession. The Braik family, operating in this field since 1936, now offer over 150 varieties of local and imported spices, medicinal plants, and other ingredients used in cooking, beverages, traditional medicine, and cosmetics.
The mill's diverse selection, quality, and appealing presentation have made it a popular destination for locals and foreign tourists, reflecting the enduring importance of Nablus' traditional industries and crafts.