Nizip Soap

Nizip Soap is a traditional product with a deep-rooted history in the Nizip district of Gaziantep. Registered as a “geographical indication” on 20.03.2018 under the Industrial Property Law No. 6769, the soap was first applied for on 01.10.2012. This geographical indication signifies a regional technique and quality standard based on prina oil and acid derived from Nizip olive oil residue. The registration was carried out by the Nizip Chamber of Commerce, and producers may use the geographical indication on their products through proper labeling.

^{Nizip Soap} (Gaziantep Metropolitan Municipality)

The raw materials used in the soap include:

• 60 percent prina oil obtained from the residue of Nizip olive oil
• 20 percent Nizip olive oil acid (prevents skin irritation during saponification)
• 20 percent palm stearin oil (enhances durability and prevents rapid dissolution in water)

The production of soap involves 740 kg of soap-making oil, 260 kg of caustic (sodium hydroxide), and 2 tons of water to yield approximately one ton of raw soap. In the first stage, the mixture is boiled at 80–100°C for about four hours. The caustic solution is then filtered, and the mixture is boiled a second time with salt water before being left to rest.

The resulting soap mass is spread onto paper sheets known as “hutban” using a “brato” mixer. After being left to rest for 8–12 hours in the drying area, the soap is manually cut and shaped according to customer demand, typically into rectangular or square molds weighing 180–200 grams. Finally, the soaps are arranged in cage-like structures and left to dry naturally for at least three months.

One of the most distinctive features of Nizip Soap is the influence of the local climate on its production process. Due to Nizip’s low humidity and dry air, the soap dries more quickly and loses moisture earlier. This natural advantage enables mass packaging while preserving quality standards. The cage system used in drying ensures that the soap is exposed to minimal sunlight and maximum air circulation.

Although modern laboratory techniques are employed, Nizip Soap is still analyzed using traditional sensory methods:

• Alkalinity test by taste: A slight bitter taste detected when the soap is touched with the tip of the tongue indicates appropriate alkalinity levels.
• Hardness test by hand: If the soap bends without cracking at the edges when pressed with the thumb, it has achieved sufficient hardness (colloidal structure).

These traditional methods reflect knowledge and experience passed down through generations in soap production.

The production of Nizip Soap follows the TS 54 Prina Soap Standard. All stages of production, processing, and packaging occur entirely within the geographical boundaries of Nizip. Inspections are conducted at least once a year under the coordination of the Nizip Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with Gaziantep University Nizip Vocational School, the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Türkiye Environmental Health Unit, Nizip Municipality, and the Nizip Chamber of Commerce. In cases of complaints, producers are subject to inspection within one to four weeks.

Because the soap is made entirely from vegetable oils, it is regarded by the public as both a cleansing agent and a healing remedy. It is said to be effective in treating conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and scabies. In the treatment of fractures and dislocations, the soap is grated and mixed with egg white to form a paste, which is then wrapped in cloth. It is also reported that soap is fed to large livestock to relieve constipation.