What is Bakhoor

Bakhoor, also spelled "bukhoor," originates from the Arabic word "bakhur," which means incense. It is a blend of aromatic materials, including natural resins, wood chips, spices, and essential oils, meticulously crafted to produce a fragrant, smoky incense. This ancient practice has been a symbol of hospitality and a means to purify the air in Middle Eastern homes for centuries.

History and Cultural Significance

The legacy of bakhoor extends deep over the time, drawing roots from Arabian culture and branching across ancient civilizations. Its historical journey unveils a rich tapestry interwoven with cultural significance:

A Fragrant Odyssey Across Civilizations

Bakhoor's origins are steeped in antiquity, glimpsed through historical epochs among revered ancient civilizations. Echoes of its aroma resound through the corridors of ancient Egypt, where it adorned the rituals and ceremonies.

Amidst the ancient Greeks and Romans, bakhoor wove its scented tale as a symbol of opulence and personal adornment. Its olfactory profile became linked with daily life, adorning individuals and perfuming spaces with its lasting fragrance.

Evolution into Arabian Hospitality

Through the sands of time, bakhoor evolved, transcending boundaries to become an integral aspect of Arabian hospitality. Its transformative journey embraced a new role, where the fragrant incense took on the mantle of a welcoming gesture, an offering of warmth and grace extended to honored guests.

Amidst Arabian traditions, the ceremonial act of burning bakhoor became synonymous with the embrace of hospitality, enriching homes with a fragrant veil, inviting visitors into a space perfumed with warmth and cultural reverence.

Continued Cultural Reverence

Even as centuries have passed, the essence of bakhoor endures, deeply ingrained within Arabian culture and revered as an embodiment of tradition and hospitality. The fragrant tendrils of its history continue to weave through time, enfolding generations, a testament to its enduring significance in the realms of culture and hospitality.

The Art of Making Bakhoor

Creating bakhoor is a delicate art that requires the skillful blending of various natural ingredients. Here's a glimpse into the traditional process:

Ingredients: Bakhoor is composed of a base of wood chips, such as agarwood (oud), sandalwood, or cedarwood. To this, various aromatic substances are added, such as myrrh, frankincense, benzoin, and spices like cloves and cardamom. Essential oils, extracted from flowers, fruits, or herbs, contribute to the overall scent.

Grinding and Mixing: The chosen ingredients are ground into a fine powder or mixed into a paste. This mixture is combined with natural adhesive substances, often derived from natural gums or honey, to form small pellets or bricks.

Aging: The bakhoor mixture is left to age for an extended period, allowing the scents to meld and mature, resulting in a harmonious blend of fragrances.

Burning: To release its aroma, bakhoor is burned on a hot coal or an electric incense burner, emitting fragrant smoke that infuses the surroundings with a warm and inviting ambiance.

Sensory Journey with Bakhoor

Experiencing bakhoor is a sensory journey like no other. When ignited, the fragrant smoke slowly fills the room, enveloping it in a cloud of perfume. The scent is complex, with layers of resinous sweetness, woody richness, and spicy warmth.

To find long lasting, quality bakhoor and incense, check out our range of traditional incenses.