close
No Image

The timeless aroma of bukhoor in Kuwaiti culture

Bukhoor is a cherished tradition deeply intertwined with Kuwait’s culture and heritage. It has been used by Kuwaitis since ancient times and continues to hold its place in their lives to this day. Kuwaitis use different types of bukhoor for various purposes, whether for daily use, celebratory events, perfuming their clothes and more. This practice adds a luxurious touch to living spaces and creates a welcoming atmosphere for guests.

Bukhoor comes in different types, shapes and scents, and the choice of which kind to use is based on personal preference. According to Mahfouz Ahmad, a vendor at a well-known bukhoor shop in Kuwait, Kuwaitis often prefer a type of bukhoor known as “Tarath A” for scenting clothes, rooms and even brides.

Bukhoor typically originates from countries such as India, the Philippines, Cambodia and Indonesia, among others. Despite its appearance, which may resemble wood, only a very small part of it is wood. Bukhoor is made of a special blend of aromatic elements, which are later dried to remove excess moisture and make it suitable for burning. Drying also helps it retain its scent for months or even years.

Bukhoor is used by burning a fragment on a charcoal disc inside a special burner called a “mubkhar” to create a pleasant aroma that fills the surroundings with a sweet and smoky fragrance. People then use their mubkhar to perfume their clothes, cars, rooms or any other spaces. Ahmad also highlighted a minor difference between bukhoor and what is known as “maamoul”, stating that maamoul is used similarly to bukhoor but is usually cheaper and has a moist texture, as it is soaked in specific oils that give it its fragrance. People often use maamoul for daily use to enhance their home’s atmosphere.

Ahmad described to Kuwait Times the meticulous process of producing oud oil. “Take, for example, Cambodian oud, which is one of the most cherished and expensive ones. The Cambodian oud oil undergoes a cleaning process after extraction from the tree, then is transformed into powder using specialized machines outside Kuwait. This powder is soaked in water for approximately 10 days to extract its essence, resulting in a fragrant product ready for sale in Kuwait. The extraction happens very slowly, as it takes five kilograms of Cambodian oud powder to produce around ten tolas only,” Ahmad said.

I’ve always found it strange how the human mind clings to places our bodies departed from long ago. It’s as if every part of you agrees to move on, except for that one part tethered to your memories and dreams — anchored in the place you chose...
By Yousef Almazeedi Kuwait, it seems, is a land of contrasts. According to the “Global Safety Report”, published by the polling organization Gallup on Sept 24, Kuwait is practically a fortress of safety — 99 percent of its residents feel compl...
MORE STORIES