Aleppo is famous for its soap. It is made of caustic soda with not only olive oil (which is a regular ingredient of soap) but also the oil of laurel. The latter (ghar) adds a particular smell and is reputed to have all sorts of special qualities. It can only be made in the months November to early May. It will then be stored for a year or two or even four. The amount of laurel oil increases the price, it can go up to 60% according to the Bradt Guide. I spoke with sellers claiming their oil had 90 percent laurel oil, but they also claimed 60% olive oil, and I think they were making a mistake somewhere. Still now that I write this I am looking forward to my daily shower with my piece of ghar soap, and I hope to be back in Syria to buy more before the piece runs out.