“Mis Fruit Soap”, one of the most important symbols of Edirne

Edirne’s “Mis Fruit Soap” (mis meaning fragrant) which holds a special and significant place in Turkish cultural life as the oldest health and hygiene material, has been part of human life not only for its practical use but also as a decorative item.

SOAP MIXED WITH AMBER & ROSE ESSSENCE AND SHAPED & COLORED AS NATURAL FRUIT

In the Ottoman Empire, soap mixed with musk, amber, and rose essence was shaped in the size of real fruits, colored according to the natural fruit hues, and these fruit soaps became valuable gifts presented to the Ottoman palace and both local and foreign dignitaries over time, turning “fruit soap making” into a significant profession in Edirne.

As we examine the history of Edirne’s neighborhoods, we find that in the 1529 neighborhood records, there was a Soap House or Soap District founded by Sabuncu (Soap maker) Hacı Halil on the Old Istanbul Road and a Soap House founded by Sabuncuoğlu, also known as Emin Çelebi neighborhood, in the Kaleiçi district.

A SPECIAL GIFT INCLUDED IN EVERY GIRL’S DOWRY

According to records, the Edirne Mis Fruit Soap, which is a symbol unique to Edirne in Turkish culture, began to be produced in Edirne from the 17th century onwards and started to be used as a decorative item in homes. Having such a rich history and being a special soap that was included in almost every girl’s dowry from the upper echelons of the state to the local people, this unique soap almost disappeared in the first half of the 1900s.

Starting around the 17th century, Edirne Mis Fruit Soap has been among the handicraft products of Edirne. Thanks to efforts made by Trakya University Vocational School, Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism, Vocational Training Center, and the Association for the Promotion of Edirne Culture and Handicrafts since the year 2000, success has been achieved in reviving the production of this historical handicraft. Having gone through a fluctuating development process throughout history, Edirne Mis Fruit Soap has once again become one of Edirne’s most valuable symbols.

The study titled “Formulations of Mis Fruit Soap and Their Production Methods” by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gülşah Gedik from the Department of Pharmaceutical Technology at the Faculty of Pharmacy, Trakya University, has been registered with the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office under the number “TR 2015 13464 B.” In this context, the application for the Geographical Indication Certificate for Edirne Mis Fruit Soap was made by the Edirne Chamber of Commerce and Industry on September 17, 2012. As a result of the efforts, the geographical indication with registration number 452 was obtained on September 9, 2019.

DURABLE F0R 10-15 YEARS PROVIDED NOT MOISTENED WITH WATER

All stages of production of the geographically indicated Edirne Mis Fruit Soap must take place in Edirne. The production of Edirne Fruit Soap is carried out using shapes such as melon, watermelon slice, quince, peach, lemon, banana, pomegranate, red apple, green apple, golden apple, plum, strawberry, apricot, yellow grape, green grape, purple grape, orange, green pear, yellow pear, pineapple, green fig, black fig, cherry, and broken pomegranate. The product continues to maintain its original appearance without deterioration for 10-15 years as long as it is not moistened with water.

“Mis Soap Statue” sponsored by Edirne Municipality, was inaugurated on June 26, 2006, in the Ayşekadın neighborhood. Mis Soap can be found in shops selling souvenirs in Edirne and the historical bazaars of Edirne.

SOURCE: https://edirnekultur.com/detay/edirne-mis-sabunu-425? (ENDER BİLAR)
(Translated and edited by EDIRNETURKEY.com)