My Collection of Bahkoor/Bakhoor/Bukhoor
In the above photo, you can see various boxes of bahkoor I purchased in Abu Dhabi, some charcoal and a couple of traditional incense burners, all resting on the rug we bought from the local rug merchant (Corniche Towers across from La Brioche cafe - recommended).
Also Called Incense
Bahkoor/bakhoor/bukhoor, also called incense, is widely used in the Arab world – with scorching desert temperatures and sweating bodies covered by layers of clothing, bahkoor/bakhoor/bukhoor is as much luxury as social necessity. Incense plays an important role in Arab life, one I've grown to appreciate.
While living in Abu Dhabi, I found my sense of smell constantly stimulated by aromas of bahkoor, Arab perfumes and shisha. My head was often turned by a group of Emirati women, walking past wrapped in the exotic aroma of Bahkoor (always careful not to stare at them).
Composition
Typically composed of woodchips (Oudh the Arabic name for Agarwood/Aloeswood) and soaked in fragrant oils and mixed with other natural ingredients (resin, ambergris, musk, sandalwood, essential oils). These scented chips/bricks are burned in charcoal or incense burners to perfume the house and clothing with the rich, fragrant smoke.
Incense burner, charcoal and Swiss Arabian Bait al Arab bahkoor
Bakhoor is usually burned in a traditional incense burner called Mabkhara (also called a Majmor), using charcoal of wood or manufactured charcoal discs/briquettes - which I use.
Traditional Uses
Traditional uses of Bahkoor include: to perfume the house, for special occasions like weddings, for a romantic atmosphere in the bedroom, as a gesture of hospitality, and it's used to "boost positive energy" and "dismiss bad spirits". You'll also find it/smell it in commercial shops, stores and in the malls where it's used to attract customers. It's also used after cooking or smoking to quickly discard unpleasant smells.
I've grown to appreciate Bahkoor and its many varieties. I hope you have the opportunity to try some at home too.
* Update 16 September 2015 - Found my favorite Bakhoor "Bait al Arab" online! I actually thought I smelled it when I looked at the picture. Cool.
Buy Your Own
I found some Swiss Arabian Bakhoor for sale at Amazon.com. Found some incense burners/censers too. You'll also need the correct charcoal for this type of incense (the Japanese silver charcoal lights quick and burns clean). I've included linked images below.
Cautions
Let the charcoal burn until it is glowing white before you add the bahkoor. It will smell burnt if you don't. Don't use too much bahkoor. If it's your first time using a metal incense burner/censer, use it on a heat proof surface with good ventilation until you are familiar with it. It will be hot, if you think you might have to move it, have a plan to move it before you light it (test it outside on the pavement if you are concerned).
Yes, more Bakhoor and Oudh chips are available online. Also found some incense burners which may work. Recommend placing on top of a ceramic coaster/tile.
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