In 1920, the launch of the perfume "Yasmak" by Babani coincided with a period marked by Western fascination with the Middle East, including Turkey, Syria, and their cultural practices like harems. This era was characterized by Orientalist fantasies and a growing interest in exoticism, influenced by literature, art, and travel depicting distant lands.
The French name "Yasmak," derived from the Turkish word "yaşmak," translates to "veil" or "face veil" in English. Choosing this name for a perfume evokes a sense of mystery, allure, and cultural fascination, particularly regarding the veiled women of harems, whose lives were often romanticized in Western imagination.
The subtitle "Parfum Syrien" further emphasizes its exotic appeal, associating it with the luxurious scents and traditions of Syria, which were marketed as alluring and mysterious in Western markets.
The phrase "suggested to be worn by 'the exotic blonde'" suggests that the perfume was designed to enhance a woman's allure with a fragrance inspired by the romanticized image of women in harems, regardless of her natural hair color. This marketing strategy aimed to appeal to Western women who sought to embody the allure of a veiled beauty from the East.
