In the midst of conflict, Qassem Abu Khalaf and Malak Hijazi create fragrances reminiscent of Palestinian history and identity.
Embodying Heritage: A Palestinian Couple's Scented Narrative
Embodying Heritage: A Palestinian Couple's Scented Narrative
A story of resilience and heritage through the art of perfume-making in Jerusalem.
Out in the serene fields of the Jordan Valley, traditional folk tunes resonate with every harvest stroke from Palestinian women gathering olives. These melodies tell tales steeped in heritage, echoing stories from centuries past. In the bustling Old City of Jerusalem, a blend of spices, leather, and livestock sauté the air, crafting an olfactory tapestry that encompasses millennia of existence.
Amidst this rich cultural backdrop, Qassem Abu Khalaf and his wife, Malak Hijazi, have birthed a fragrance line called Mejana, a tribute to their Palestinian roots and an effort to encapsulate the essence of their homeland. In the heart of Jerusalem, despite the ongoing violence affecting Gaza, the couple is steadfast in their mission: to invoke memories of their culture through scent.
Qassem, an advanced materials engineer, and Malak, an educator dedicated to English and special needs, have combined their expertise and passion. Through late-night labor and literary inspiration, Qassem diligently cataloged hundreds of aromatic components to create evocative perfumes. "We want to share our heritage with the world," he remarks, breathing life into their startup in the hope of reconnecting fellow Palestinians with their ancestral memories.
The name "Mejana" derives from the traditional songs sung during work—a joyful refrain that resonates through generations. Malak describes, "When you smell a beautiful fragrance, it brings feelings of joy." Their fragrances carry the weight of stories: Zaref Atool embodies the narrow, historical pathways of the Old City, drawn from a poignant ballad about longing and departure. In stark contrast, Rozana evokes a tragic maritime tale, where hope turned to despair amid famine.
Striving to celebrate their Palestinian identity, they officially launched their brand on September 27 last year, only to face disruptions due to the escalating violence which halted their sales efforts in local bazaars. Despite this adversity, they have found success in international markets, with their creations resonating particularly well within the Australian Palestinian diaspora community.
Recently, the couple unveiled their second collection, artfully presented within hand-painted boxes celebrating local flora and fauna. The perfumes, encased in intricately designed wooden containers, employ a symbolic key—a nod to the homes lost during the turbulent events of 1948, a time that forcibly reshaped the Palestinian narrative. "This key connects us to cherished memories," Malak explains, bridging gaps between past and present.
While navigating personal growth, including the arrival of their daughter Sadeel, the couple embraces the complications of bringing new life into a tumultuous world. As Malak admits, she had to shield herself from the distressing news from Gaza during her pregnancy, choosing moments of peace instead.
“It’s challenging,” Qassem reflects. “Yet we remain hopeful for peace and for a shared tranquility that will allow us to flourish as a family.” Embracing the beauty of their past, Qassem and Malak seek not just to celebrate their identity but to inspire a world yearning for connection amid discord.
Amidst this rich cultural backdrop, Qassem Abu Khalaf and his wife, Malak Hijazi, have birthed a fragrance line called Mejana, a tribute to their Palestinian roots and an effort to encapsulate the essence of their homeland. In the heart of Jerusalem, despite the ongoing violence affecting Gaza, the couple is steadfast in their mission: to invoke memories of their culture through scent.
Qassem, an advanced materials engineer, and Malak, an educator dedicated to English and special needs, have combined their expertise and passion. Through late-night labor and literary inspiration, Qassem diligently cataloged hundreds of aromatic components to create evocative perfumes. "We want to share our heritage with the world," he remarks, breathing life into their startup in the hope of reconnecting fellow Palestinians with their ancestral memories.
The name "Mejana" derives from the traditional songs sung during work—a joyful refrain that resonates through generations. Malak describes, "When you smell a beautiful fragrance, it brings feelings of joy." Their fragrances carry the weight of stories: Zaref Atool embodies the narrow, historical pathways of the Old City, drawn from a poignant ballad about longing and departure. In stark contrast, Rozana evokes a tragic maritime tale, where hope turned to despair amid famine.
Striving to celebrate their Palestinian identity, they officially launched their brand on September 27 last year, only to face disruptions due to the escalating violence which halted their sales efforts in local bazaars. Despite this adversity, they have found success in international markets, with their creations resonating particularly well within the Australian Palestinian diaspora community.
Recently, the couple unveiled their second collection, artfully presented within hand-painted boxes celebrating local flora and fauna. The perfumes, encased in intricately designed wooden containers, employ a symbolic key—a nod to the homes lost during the turbulent events of 1948, a time that forcibly reshaped the Palestinian narrative. "This key connects us to cherished memories," Malak explains, bridging gaps between past and present.
While navigating personal growth, including the arrival of their daughter Sadeel, the couple embraces the complications of bringing new life into a tumultuous world. As Malak admits, she had to shield herself from the distressing news from Gaza during her pregnancy, choosing moments of peace instead.
“It’s challenging,” Qassem reflects. “Yet we remain hopeful for peace and for a shared tranquility that will allow us to flourish as a family.” Embracing the beauty of their past, Qassem and Malak seek not just to celebrate their identity but to inspire a world yearning for connection amid discord.
