Blog: Mejana Fragrance Is ‘Scented Stories And Eternal Memories’ Of Palestine
“Life is bitter, but I do not hate it,” declared Ali Izetbegović, the revered author of “Islam Between East and West” and former President of Bosnia. A leader who stood firm against the ethnic cleansing of Bosnian Muslims, his words resonate deeply.
In a similar vein, Palestine, enduring one of history’s most harrowing ethnic cleansings, continues to bloom with the fragrance of resistance amidst the horrors. We’ve heard of the iconic Cola of resistance, Cola Gaza, which has etched its name in history. Now, a Palestinian perfume brand is crafting its own legacy of resistance, invoking memories and roots of the past.
Mejana Fragrance, launched in 2023, tells “scented stories and eternal memories”—tales that perfume the air with undying recollections. The brand’s logo, the key of Nakba, symbolises the homes seized by Zionists. These fragrances serve as portals to the past, evoking scents of nostalgia and authenticity, preserving Palestinian history, and reconnecting with their roots.
Each note of the perfume captures childhood memories in grandmothers’ courtyards, valleys filled with jasmine, lavender, and vanilla, and the bustling markets of Jerusalem. This journey through fragrance honours the scents that define Palestinian life, reviving the past through the art of perfumery. Each perfume, named after Palestinian folk songs like ZARAF ATOOL and ROZANA, affirms the authenticity of their land and sky. In essence, the greatness and goodness of Palestine’s land and sky are encapsulated in glass bottles—the scent of struggle.
Mejana, as per a blog shared by the product, a symphony of folklore and melody, invites you to relive Palestine’s essence. Imagine rosemary in Jerusalem’s mountains or oud and olive wood in ancient towns. Walk Lifta’s ruins and see pomegranate blooms defy time, almond trees standing resilient. Picture Ramallah’s colorful attire or the golden silk of Bethlehem’s women. Stroll Nablus’s Jasmine Street or breathe in the zest of Jaffa oranges, the sound of seashells, and Haifa’s sea waves.
Palestine’s scents and stories weave into Mejana, preserving the land’s spirit, another blog says. From citrus orchards to jasmine, the land’s richness supports agriculture and craftsmanship. Palestinian artisans, from perfumers to metalworkers, infuse tradition into handmade creations. These skills celebrate sustainability and a harmonious bond with nature.
Mejana’s aromatic journey transcends time, preserving Palestine’s cultural and environmental legacy. It reminds us of ancestral connections, a tribute to resilience and tradition. Through every fragrance and melody, Mejana carries the heart of Palestine, a timeless heritage for the present and future.
(Riyas T Razack is a writer and traveller based out of West Asia)
