How to Use Bakhoor at Home

Bakhoor is wood soaked in fragrant oils and pressed into small pieces. Warmed slowly, it fills a room with a scent that lingers for hours in fabric and curtains.

What you need

• A mabkhara (incense burner)
• A charcoal disc, or an electric burner
• One or two pieces of bakhoor

Light it the right way

Light the charcoal and wait until it is covered in fine grey ash. Place a piece of bakhoor on top: it should smoulder and smoke gently, never flame.

Scent the room, then yourself

Carry the mabkhara slowly through the room, then pass it under your clothes and hair for a scent that stays with you.

For guests

Light bakhoor half an hour before guests arrive, and pass the mabkhara around at the end of the visit, as a warm farewell.