History
The Timeless Tradition of Attar
Welcome to our world of attar, where tradition and nature blend seamlessly to create timeless fragrances. Attar, also known as ittar, is a traditional natural perfume oil with a rich history that spans several centuries and is deeply rooted in the cultures of the Middle East and South Asia.
Our journey begins with the ancient civilizations of Egypt, Greece, and Rome, where aromatic resins, herbs, and flowers were used for religious ceremonies, cosmetics, and medicinal purposes. In ancient Egypt, perfumes were highly prized, and the art of perfumery was well-developed, utilizing plant-based ingredients like myrrh, frankincense, and jasmine.
In the Indian subcontinent, the tradition of making attar dates back over 5,000 years. Ancient texts like the Vedas mention the use of aromatic substances, and the Ayurvedic system of medicine employed various fragrant herbs and flowers for their therapeutic properties. The Mughal Empire, which ruled India from the 16th to the 19th century, played a significant role in the development of attar. Emperors like Akbar and Jahangir patronized perfumers and commissioned the creation of unique fragrances.
During the Islamic Golden Age (8th to 13th centuries), the art of perfumery saw significant advancements. Muslim chemists and scholars like Al-Kindi and Al-Razi wrote extensively about the distillation process and the use of various aromatic substances. The development of the alembic (a type of distillation apparatus) by the Persian polymath Jabir ibn Hayyan (Geber) was crucial in refining the process of extracting essential oils. Persian culture has a rich tradition of perfumery, with historical texts describing the use of rose water and other floral essences. Attar production flourished in the Arab world, with Damascus and Baghdad becoming notable centers for perfumery.
The colonial period saw European interest in exotic fragrances grow, leading to increased trade between the East and the West. The British colonial presence in India facilitated the export of attars to Europe, where they gained popularity. Today, attar is produced in various parts of the world, with India, particularly the city of Kannauj in Uttar Pradesh, being a major hub. The process of making attar involves the hydro or steam distillation of flowers, herbs, and other natural materials, which are then combined with a base oil such as sandalwood. Attar is prized for its natural and long-lasting fragrance, as well as its perceived therapeutic properties.
Attar holds significant cultural and religious importance, being used in religious ceremonies and rituals across many cultures. It is often applied to the body as a form of purification or blessing. In Sufism, a mystical branch of Islam, attar is used during dhikr (remembrance of God) sessions and other spiritual practices. Traditionally, attar is used as a personal fragrance in the Middle East, South Asia, and parts of Southeast Asia and is given as a gift on special occasions such as weddings and festivals.