The Mejana fragrance line, launched by Qassem Abu Khalaf and Malak Hijazi, aims to reconnect Palestinians with their cultural roots through unique scents inspired by local folklore.
Capturing the Essence of Palestinian Heritage in Fragrance
Capturing the Essence of Palestinian Heritage in Fragrance
A young couple in Jerusalem produces perfumes that evoke memories of their land amidst ongoing conflict.
In the heart of Jerusalem, amidst the tumult of war, a young couple, Qassem Abu Khalaf and his wife Malak Hijazi, has embarked on an ambitious venture to encapsulate the essence of Palestinian heritage in their newly launched perfume line, Mejana. This line, named after traditional folk songs sung by laborers in the fields, serves as a testament to resilience and identity in a challenging time.
Drawing inspiration from the idyllic landscapes of the Jordan Valley, where Palestinian women sing as they harvest olives, the couple creates fragrances designed to evoke profound memories of their homeland. Qassem, an advanced materials engineer, has meticulously curated a library of hundreds of natural ingredients, blending them to craft scents that resonate deeply with the Palestinian experience.
"Through our perfumes, we want people to feel the stories of our history, to hold a piece of our culture in their hands," says Qassem, who poured countless hours into perfecting each scent, despite external conflicts. The duo's first two fragrances, Zaref Atool and Rozana, reflect significant narratives; the former encapsulates the labyrinth of Jerusalem's Old City, while the latter recounts a poignant tale of hope and disappointment during a historical famine.
The couple's journey was not without challenges. They launched their brand on September 27 of the previous year, yet everything came to a standstill as the situation in Gaza escalated. While foot traffic in Jerusalem's bazaars has dwindled, they have found creative ways to reach the Palestinian diaspora, particularly in Australia, ensuring that their cultural message travels across borders.
Each of Mejana's perfumes is presented in exquisitely designed packaging painted by a Palestinian artist, symbolizing the beauty of their culture. The bottles, styled as wooden capsules with ornate keys, represent not only nostalgia for lost homes but also the cherished memories tied to the scents that evoke the essence of Palestinian life.
As Qassem and Malak navigate their entrepreneurial path alongside their new role as parents to a daughter named Sadeel, they express a mix of hope and concern about bringing a child into such a tumultuous world. Malak found herself overwhelmed by the news from Gaza during her pregnancy, highlighting the emotional toll of ongoing unrest.
Despite their struggles, they remain hopeful for peace and the possibility of a brighter future. “We believe that one day, we will smell the fragrance of peace in our land again,” Qassem states, embodying the spirit of perseverance that infuses their work and their lives.
Drawing inspiration from the idyllic landscapes of the Jordan Valley, where Palestinian women sing as they harvest olives, the couple creates fragrances designed to evoke profound memories of their homeland. Qassem, an advanced materials engineer, has meticulously curated a library of hundreds of natural ingredients, blending them to craft scents that resonate deeply with the Palestinian experience.
"Through our perfumes, we want people to feel the stories of our history, to hold a piece of our culture in their hands," says Qassem, who poured countless hours into perfecting each scent, despite external conflicts. The duo's first two fragrances, Zaref Atool and Rozana, reflect significant narratives; the former encapsulates the labyrinth of Jerusalem's Old City, while the latter recounts a poignant tale of hope and disappointment during a historical famine.
The couple's journey was not without challenges. They launched their brand on September 27 of the previous year, yet everything came to a standstill as the situation in Gaza escalated. While foot traffic in Jerusalem's bazaars has dwindled, they have found creative ways to reach the Palestinian diaspora, particularly in Australia, ensuring that their cultural message travels across borders.
Each of Mejana's perfumes is presented in exquisitely designed packaging painted by a Palestinian artist, symbolizing the beauty of their culture. The bottles, styled as wooden capsules with ornate keys, represent not only nostalgia for lost homes but also the cherished memories tied to the scents that evoke the essence of Palestinian life.
As Qassem and Malak navigate their entrepreneurial path alongside their new role as parents to a daughter named Sadeel, they express a mix of hope and concern about bringing a child into such a tumultuous world. Malak found herself overwhelmed by the news from Gaza during her pregnancy, highlighting the emotional toll of ongoing unrest.
Despite their struggles, they remain hopeful for peace and the possibility of a brighter future. “We believe that one day, we will smell the fragrance of peace in our land again,” Qassem states, embodying the spirit of perseverance that infuses their work and their lives.
