The Story of Isparta Roses and Rose Oil

One of the first things that comes to mind when Isparta is mentioned is undoubtedly the rose. The city, with its pink rose gardens, the harvest starting in the early morning hours, and the scent of roses, is today one of Türkiye's important centers for rose oil production.

At the heart of Isparta's reputation lies the rose oil (Rosa damascena Mill.). This special rose species holds an important place in the production of rose oil and rose water, which are used especially in the perfumery and cosmetics industry. (Research Institutions)

How Did the Story of the Rose Begin in Isparta?

The spread of the oil rose in Anatolia dates back to the 19th century. According to sources from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, the oil rose was brought to Anatolia in the 1870s through immigrants from the Kazanlak region of Bulgaria. (Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry)

Müftüzade İsmail Efendi holds an important place in the beginning of rose production in Isparta.

According to official sources, the first rose oil garden in Isparta was established in 1888 through the initiative of İsmail Efendi. In the fourth year of production after planting, in 1892, he obtained the first rose oil by distilling the rose flowers. Later, he took the rose oils he obtained to Istanbul and Europe to promote them and find a market. (Research Institutions)

This development is considered one of the important starting points of Isparta's rose-growing tradition, which is now known worldwide.

From Rose Gardens to Rose Oil

One of the most striking parts of the story of the Isparta rose is the harvest period.

Oil rose flowers are usually collected in the early morning hours. During the harvest season, rose gardens take on a pink appearance, and it is important that the collected flowers are processed quickly.

Different products can be obtained from rose flowers, primarily rose oil, rose water, and rose concrete. Rose oil is used as a valuable essential oil, especially in the perfumery and cosmetics industry. (Research Institutions)

How is Rose Oil Obtained?

Rose oil is an aromatic product obtained by processing oil rose flowers.

In traditional production, rose flowers were distilled in simple stills, but over time, production technologies have developed and industrial production has become widespread. According to sources from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, the establishment of a modern rose oil factory in Isparta in 1935 was a significant turning point in the transition to modern rose oil production. (Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry)

Today, the technologies used in production combine traditional knowledge with modern processing methods.

Why is the Isparta Rose So Valuable?

Rosa damascena is one of the economically important oil roses due to its characteristic fragrance and aromatic properties.

In Türkiye, the Lake District, particularly Isparta and its surroundings, is one of the centers of oil rose cultivation. Today, Isparta holds a significant position internationally in rose oil production and trade. According to a 2026 statement by the Isparta Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry, approximately 65% of the world's rose oil production is supplied by Isparta. (Isparta Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry)

This shows that the rose is not only a cultural symbol of Isparta; it is also an important agricultural and economic asset.

The Rose: A Part of Isparta's Culture

In Isparta, the rose is not just an agricultural product grown in fields. It holds an important place in the city's culture, economy, and daily life.

Every year, numerous visitors come to the region during the rose harvest season. Rose gardens attract the attention of both domestic and foreign visitors, especially during the harvest period. (sparta Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry)

This cultural value of the rose manifests itself in different areas of daily life with rose oil, rose water, rose jam, rose Turkish delight, and various cosmetic products.

From Past to Future: The Rose of Isparta

The story of Isparta's rose is one of the beautiful examples of a production tradition that began in the 19th century and developed into an international sector over time.

Today, when Isparta roses are mentioned, not only fragrant pink flowers come to mind; labor, tradition, agriculture, production, and a cultural heritage of over a century also come to mind.

Each rose flower, collected in the early morning hours, eventually transforms into valuable rose oils with small but intense aromas.

Therefore, Isparta rose oil is not only a cosmetic raw material but also an important production story that Isparta has carried from the past to the present.

References

Republic of Turkey Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Oil Rose Cultivation (Rosa damascena Mill.) ([Research Institutions][1]) Republic of Turkey Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Roses and Rose Oil in Isparta – History ([Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry][2]) Republic of Turkey Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Oil Rose Cultivation in Türkiye ([Research Institutions] Isparta Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry, Rose Harvest Begins in Isparta, Türkiye's Rose Garden ([Isparta Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry] Isparta Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry, Technical Delegation of the Sultanate of Oman Examined the Oil Rose Sector in Our Province (2026) ([Isparta Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry])