Ancient Egypt was renowned for its perfume-making across the ancient world, especially in Mendes—a city located in northern Egypt, in the Nile Delta. Mendes was famous for producing large quantities of perfumes known for their strong scent, long-lasting effect, and the ability to retain their original color—qualities that.made them especially popular among women

What made Mendes perfumes particularly special was their longevity; people could store them for years without the scent spoiling or going rancid

At that time, perfume wasn’t a liquid as we know it today. It was typically a scented cream or body oil, since alcohol-based perfumes were not invented until the fourth century B.C.

The main ingredients were aromatic plants and oils. The process began by soaking flowers or aromatic herbs in oil for a long period. Then, the mixture would be placed in a piece of cloth and tightly squeezed to extract the last drops of infused oil. Finally, the plants or flowers were boiled in water to obtain the essential oils

The most commonly used oils included

• Linseed oil

• Castor oil

• Sesame oil

• Balanos oil (known for its low viscosity, making it the most preferred)

• Almond oil and olive oil (used less frequently)

Aromatic ingredients were added in a specific order—from the lightest fragrance to the strongest. The secret to the high quality of Egyptian perfumes lay in their deep understanding of when, how much, and at what temperature each ingredient should be added

One of the most fascinating ingredients used in perfume-making was sweet wine, which was used to soak certain herbs before infusing them into oil. The wine helped soften and balance stronger scents, making the final fragrance more pleasant

Among the most luxurious perfumes was one made from iris flowers. It was favored by high-ranking individuals and royal families for its exquisite aroma. Physicians also used iris oil as a sedative

To produce iris body oil, ingredients like iris petals, salt, honey, saffron, cinnamon, cardamom, and wine were combined, making the formula both complex and expensive.

The ancient Egyptians also devised another method of perfuming the body: by using animal fat. They would mix solidified animal grease with herbs to create a scented block, which they molded into a cone shape and placed on their heads during parties and ceremonial events. As the cone melted from body heat, it released fragrance into the hair and surroundings.

However, this method had drawbacks—it melted too quickly and could stain clothing. Because of this, it wasn’t widely recommended. Still, even today, some women in the Egyptian desert continue to use this traditional practice

A woman wear a funnel on her head

The reason is simple: alabaster is an ideal material for preserving creams and oils without allowing them to spoil

Additionally, alabaster helps the ingredients in creams blend and mature over time, enhancing the quality of the product

As if the Wheel of Time Turns Back…

As if the wheel of time suddenly spins backward, taking us 7,000 years into the past—to Thebes (now known as Luxor), the ancient capital of Kemet (Egypt), also called the City of the Sun.

In ancient times, the Egyptian king learned that the Ethiopian army commander was preparing his forces to invade Egypt—a great threat to Thebes.
To defend the kingdom, the king sent his general, Radames, south to confront the danger.

But when Radames arrived in Ethiopia, he fell deeply in love with Aida, unaware that she was the princess—the daughter of the Ethiopian king.
Torn between love and duty to his country, Radames chose love and planned to escape with Aida.
But the High Priest discovered his betrayal, and Radames was sentenced to death.

This is the story of Aida—the legendary opera inspired by an ancient manuscript discovered by French Egyptologist Auguste Mariette in the Nile Valley.
Although Verdi composed the music, the story was originally written by Mariette himself.
Isma'il Pasha, the Khedive of Egypt, commissioned Verdi to compose the opera for the opening of the Khedivial Opera House, paying him 150,000 francs.

History echoed again in 2019, in the same place where the story of Aida was born—Luxor, the city that witnessed love, war, loyalty, political conflict, and spiritual devotion.

The Aida Opera was performed on October 26 and 27, 2019, beside the magnificent Temple of Queen Hatshepsut.
I don’t know if this location was chosen intentionally—or if it was just fate.
But let me explain why I wonder...

Queen Hatshepsut faced a story strikingly similar to Radames.
She fell in love with Senenmut, a brilliant architect—yet a man from common origins.
But she chose her duty to Egypt over love. She became queen, marrying Thutmose II, and ruled the country with wisdom and strength.
The people loved her. She gave Egypt stability, prosperity, and beauty.

Senenmut, heartbroken, built her a stunning temple and even designed a tomb nearby—just to be close to her forever.

Can you feel how heartbreaking this love story is?

When I think about the location of the opera, I can't help but feel emotional.
So here's my message to my great-grandmother, Queen Hatshepsut:

"You were a great queen. You chose your country over your love. And today, thousands of years later, people sing a tragic love story beside the temple built by the man you once loved.
And while Aida is a fictional tale, your story was real.
Only the walls of your temple bear witness to both stories, Grandma.
May your soul be reunited with your beloved in the afterlife."

These moments were captured beautifully by Egyptian photographer Mustafa Karim.
Please do not use his photos without his permission.
And now, I leave you with his stunning images...