Turkish rose Orpur

Turkish rose, known as Rosa × damascena, first appeared in the gardens of ancient Persia, where royalty prized its scent for ceremonial incense. The plant spread to the Ottoman Empire in the 15th century, and Turkish artisans refined harvesting rituals that still guide modern growers. By the late 18th century, the rose adorned the courts of Marie Antoinette, cementing its status in European perfumery. In the early 20 century, Turkish rose water became a staple in cosmetics and culinary arts, supporting a regional economy that exported millions of kilograms of oil each year. Today, the rose remains a cultural emblem of Turkey, celebrated each spring during the Isparta Rose Festival, where visitors witness the delicate hand‑picking that sustains the legacy of this timeless fragrance.