Rose oil is one of the most valuable essential oils in the world, with a history dating back thousands of years to Ancient Civilizations.
Ancient Mesopotamian, Egyptian, Greek, and Roman civilizations viewed the rose as both a sacred flower and a symbol of beauty and love. Particularly in Egypt, Cleopatra used rose water and rose oil as a beauty elixir. It was also widely used in religious ceremonies, perfume making, and mummification processes.
Historically, the rose plant spread from Central Asia to China, and from there to Japan and Korea.
In ancient times, “rose-scented oils” became one of the most valuable trade items along the Silk Road.
Especially through Persian and Indiancultures, rose oil reached the Far East, finding its place in Buddhist temples and imperial palaces.
In China, the records from the Tang Dynasty (7th–10th century) document the import of “rose oil” and “rose water.”
In Japan, during the Heian Period (794–1185), the aristocracy used rose-scented oils as a “symbol of nobility.”
The first true distillation of rose oil was performed in the 10th century by Ibn Sina (Avicenna). He was the first to successfully extract pure oil from rose petals using the steam distillation method. This breakthrough made rose oil accessible for medical, cosmetic, and religious purposes.
During the Ottoman era, Isparta (Türkiye), the Balkans, Bulgaria, and Iran became the centers of rose cultivation. In the 17th and 18th centuries, rose oil was used in the Ottoman Palace for perfumes and the cleansing of sacred spaces. Additionally, “rose water” held a significant place in religious ceremonies, hospitality, and hygiene.
In the late 19th century, modern rose oil production began in Isparta, quickly establishing Türkiye as one of the world’s most important rose oil producers. Today, Isparta is known as the “Capital of Roses,” and the highest quality rose oil in the world is produced here.
Today, rose oil holds immense value in the fields of cosmetics, perfumery,aromatherapy, and natural skincare. It requires approximately 3000–4000 rose petals to produce just a single drop of this precious oil.