In the windows of the Selimiye arasta’s tiny shops, each ten to fifteen square metres in area, can be seen what looks like plastic fruit, unworthy of a second glance. But those in the know are appreciative. Moulded into the form of apples, pears, peaches, grapes, cherries, bananas, melons, strawberries, apricots, and lemons, these soaps were Edirne’s main article of trade in the 19th century. The fruit soaps which are today looked upon only as decoration, were an essential part of the bathing ritual in the past.
(Location: Edirne)

Uploaded by slavica on 5/4/2009, viewed 1424 times.