Why Is the Isparta Rose Famous Around the World?

The Isparta Rose, scientifically known as Rosa damascena Mill., is an important oil-bearing rose cultivated for its intense, multilayered fragrance. Grown in Isparta and the surrounding region for generations, its flowers are used to produce valuable products such as rose essential oil, rose water, rose distillate, rose concrete and rose absolute.

However, the international recognition of the Isparta Rose cannot be explained by saying only that it “smells beautiful.” Its reputation is supported by the correct botanical species, Isparta’s growing conditions, early-morning harvesting, distillation knowledge, scientific analysis and generations of production experience.

In this section, we explore why the Isparta Rose is valued by the international perfume, cosmetics, food and scientific sectors.

Rose Academy Note
Isparta’s climate, altitude, soil structure, morning dew and growing conditions contribute to the distinctive characteristics and quality of its Rosa damascena. The strong international demand for Turkish rose oil further demonstrates the value of the Isparta Rose.

What Is the Isparta Rose?

The Isparta Rose is an oil-bearing form of Rosa damascena, a member of the Rosaceae family, cultivated for the production of rose essential oil and other aromatic products.

In Türkiye, it is grown primarily in Isparta and the surrounding Lakes Region. The plant has pink, semi-double and strongly scented flowers. It is a perennial, woody shrub that develops dense shoots and bears sharp structures commonly called thorns, although the more accurate botanical term is “prickles.”

The value of the Isparta Rose does not come from its appearance alone. The aromatic compounds produced naturally in its flowers make it an important raw material for distillation and extraction (Baydar, n.d.).

What Does Isparta’s Geography Contribute?

The same botanical species may not develop exactly the same characteristics when cultivated in different regions. Climate, altitude, soil, temperature, rainfall, humidity, sunlight and agricultural practices can all influence a plant’s development.

Important conditions for oil-rose cultivation in Isparta include:

• A temperate climate
• Suitable temperatures during flowering
• Morning dew
• Sufficient sunlight
• Seasonal rainfall
• Well-drained soils
• Successive flowering periods at different altitudes

Professor Hasan Baydar explains that high temperatures and drought during flowering may cause some of the volatile compounds in the flowers to evaporate and be lost. The location in which the rose is grown, the weather conditions and the time of day at which it is harvested are therefore all important (Baydar, n.d.).

The official geographical indication document for Isparta Rose Oil also defines the relationship between the region’s climate and soil conditions, the oil-bearing rose and the resulting product (Turkish Patent and Trademark Office, 2019).

Did You Know?
The rose harvest in Isparta is not completed in a single day. Depending on altitude and temperature, flowering may begin at different times. Newly opened flowers are collected every morning throughout the harvest season.

Why Are the Flowers Harvested Early in the Morning?

Isparta Rose flowers are generally harvested by hand during the early morning. This practice is not based on tradition alone.

As the day progresses, the temperature rises. Some fragrant compounds described as volatile can escape from the flowers into the air more rapidly under warmer conditions. The cool morning temperature and dew help preserve the freshness of the flowers.

It is also important to transport the harvested flowers to the processing facility without unnecessary delay. Long waiting periods and unsuitable transportation conditions may cause:

• The flowers to become warm
• Fermentation to begin
• The fragrance composition to change
• The quantity and character of the volatile oil to be affected

The quality of the Isparta Rose is therefore shaped through a process that begins with harvesting practices, not only inside the distillation vessel.

What Does the Isparta Rose Smell Like?

Rose fragrance is not created by one molecule. The character perceived by the human nose as “rose” results from numerous volatile compounds coming together in different proportions.

The fragrance profile of the Isparta Rose may generally be described as:

• Floral
• Intense
• Sweet
• Fresh
• Slightly green
• Fruity
• Honey-like
• Warm and deep

The fragrance profile of a natural product does not have to be identical in every harvest. Growing location, weather, flower-development stage, harvesting time, waiting period, distillation system and analytical method can all affect the result.

Principal Fragrance Compounds

According to Hasan Baydar, monoterpene alcohols are prominent constituents of Turkish rose essential oil. These include citronellol, geraniol, nerol and linalool. Paraffinic hydrocarbons and stearoptenes also contribute to the physical and chemical structure of the oil (Baydar, n.d.).

Some of the characteristic ranges listed in the geographical indication document for Isparta Rose Oil are presented below:

These are not fixed values for every rose essential oil. They are the characteristic ranges defined for Isparta Rose Oil in its geographical indication document. Natural variation and analytical conditions may affect the results (Turkish Patent and Trademark Office, 2019).

Small Quantity, Powerful Fragrance Effect

A compound present in a very small quantity is not necessarily unimportant to the fragrance. Some substances have a very low odour threshold, meaning that the human nose can detect them even at extremely low concentrations.

β-Damascenone, β-damascene and certain ionones may contribute significantly to the character of rose fragrance despite being present only at trace levels.

Evaluating rose essential oil by examining only its most abundant constituents is therefore not sufficient. Its fragrance is a whole created by the combination of major compounds and highly influential trace constituents.

What Does Science Say?
Some sources report more than 150 compounds in rose essential oil, while others refer to more than 400. This is not necessarily a contradiction. The analytical instrument, method, sample preparation and detection limits can change the number of identifiable compounds.

Why Is Natural Rose Fragrance Difficult to Reproduce?

Principal compounds such as citronellol and geraniol can individually create a fragrance reminiscent of roses. However, combining only a few major components does not reproduce the complete fragrance profile of natural rose essential oil.

Natural rose fragrance arises from:

• The proportions of the principal aromatic compounds
• Powerful fragrance molecules present at trace levels
• Interactions among different constituents
• The conditions in which the flowers were grown and processed

A synthetic rose accord may resemble natural rose fragrance, but it should not be described as an exact reproduction of the full chemical and sensory complexity of natural rose essential oil.

International Quality Assessment

Rose essential oil is not evaluated by fragrance alone. Its chemical composition may be examined together with properties such as density, refractive index, optical rotation and solidification behaviour.

ISO 9842:2024 is the current international standard specifying certain characteristics of rose essential oil obtained from Rosa × damascena cultivated in Türkiye, Bulgaria and Morocco. Its purpose is to facilitate quality assessment (International Organization for Standardization, 2024).

Compliance with a product standard does not automatically grant the right to use a particular geographical indication. ISO standards and geographical indications are different systems:

• An ISO standard helps assess defined product characteristics.
• A geographical indication protects the connection between a product, a defined geographical origin and specified production requirements.

Importance to the Perfume Industry

Natural rose essential oil is one of the perfume industry’s most valuable classical raw materials. One reason is its extremely low production yield.

According to Hasan Baydar’s work and the geographical indication document, approximately three to four tonnes of fresh rose flowers may be required to produce one kilogram of rose essential oil. The amount obtained can vary according to harvesting, waiting time and distillation conditions (Baydar, n.d.; Turkish Patent and Trademark Office, 2019).

In perfume compositions, rose essential oil may:

• Create a floral centre
• Blend harmoniously with other floral notes
• Build transitions between fruity, spicy or woody notes
• Add depth and richness
• Contribute to a more integrated and longer-lasting sensory impression on the skin

It would not be accurate to describe rose essential oil as a universal “fixative” in every perfume formula. However, its complex composition and less-volatile constituents may contribute to fragrance cohesion and the perception of longevity in certain formulations.

Are Rose Essential Oil, Rose Water, Rose Distillate, Concrete and Absolute the Same?

No. Although all these products are associated with rose flowers, their production methods and compositions differ.

Why Is Phenethyl Alcohol Important?

Phenethyl alcohol is an important component of fresh rose fragrance. Because it has an affinity for water, a substantial portion may pass into the rose water during distillation. It is therefore not found in identical proportions in rose essential oil, rose water, rose concrete and rose absolute.

Baydar explains that phenethyl alcohol may be found at lower levels in rose essential oil and at higher levels in rose water. The extraction methods used to produce concrete and absolute may also preserve more of this compound (Baydar, n.d.).

This helps explain why rose essential oil and rose water do not smell exactly the same. Although they originate from the same flower, their aromatic compositions differ.

Role in the Cosmetics Industry

Rose water, rose distillate and rose essential oil may serve different purposes in cosmetics.

Rose water and rose distillate may be used in:

• Facial mists
• Toners
• Cleansers
• Clay and powder masks
• Creams
• Lotions
• Serums
• Hair and scalp products
• Body-care products

Rose distillate can serve as a water-based cosmetic ingredient, while rose essential oil is far more concentrated and is generally added to formulations at much lower levels. Its appropriate concentration depends on the product type, complete formulation, safety assessment and applicable cosmetic requirements.

Rose water has traditionally been used in skincare for refreshing and personal-care purposes. However, the function of a cosmetic product must be evaluated on the basis of its complete formulation and intended use. The statement that a product “contains rose” does not by itself establish a therapeutic effect.

Rose Academy Note
Cosmetic use and medical treatment are not the same. A facial mist or toner is intended for cosmetic care, not for the treatment of disease.

Role in the Food Industry

Rose water has a long history as an aromatic food ingredient in different culinary traditions, including Ottoman cuisine.

Rose products manufactured specifically for food use may be incorporated into:

• Desserts
• Turkish delight and confectionery
• Sherbets
• Milk-based desserts
• Jams and preserves
• Baked goods
• Beverages
• Flavoured syrups

An important distinction must be made: not every cosmetic rose water is suitable for consumption. A product should be used in food or drinks only when it has been manufactured for food use, complies with the applicable requirements and is identified by the producer as edible or food-grade.

Pharmacological Research and Pharmaceutical Development

Research on Rosa damascena has examined its essential oil, flower extracts, rose water and distillation by-products. Scientists have evaluated the chemical structures of these materials and their behaviour in different biological experiments.

Research areas reported in the scientific literature include:

• Antioxidant capacity
• Laboratory activity involving microorganisms
• Experimental mechanisms associated with inflammation
• Experimental observations involving the nervous system
• Plant-derived phenolic compounds
• Potential uses for rose biomass remaining after distillation

However, these studies do not all provide the same level of evidence. A result observed in a cell culture or laboratory vessel does not prove that the same effect will occur in humans. Animal studies also do not replace human clinical research.

A scientific review published in 2019 identified experimental and clinical research involving Rosa damascena. It also emphasized the importance of considering the material studied, dosage, administration method and research design when interpreting the findings (Akram et al., 2019).

The fact that Rosa damascena is pharmacologically interesting does not mean that an individual rose-water or cosmetic product prevents or treats disease.

What Does Science Say?
“Produced an effect in a laboratory experiment” and “has been proven to treat people” are not equivalent statements. Responsible scientific communication clearly explains the level at which an experiment was conducted.

How Might It Be Evaluated in Pharmaceutical Research?

The pharmaceutical research value of the rose comes from the chemical diversity found in its flowers and processing by-products. When searching for new raw materials or biological activities, researchers may investigate:

• Volatile compounds
• Phenolic substances
• Flavonoids
• Plant material remaining after distillation
• Different extraction methods

Such research may contribute to future scientific applications. However, pharmaceutical development requires identification of the relevant compound, safety assessment, dose studies, clinical trials and regulatory authorization.

It is therefore more accurate to say that Rosa damascena “is being investigated for pharmacological research and pharmaceutical development” than to state broadly that it “is used by the pharmaceutical industry.”

What Does the Geographical Indication Protect?

One factor supporting the recognition of the Isparta Rose is its geographical indication framework.

Baydar reports that a geographical indication registration certificate was obtained for the Isparta Rose on May 6, 2006 (Baydar, n.d.).

Separately, Isparta Rose Oil was registered by the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office as a designation of origin under registration number 421:

• Application date: January 10, 2018
• Registration date: March 7, 2019
• Registrant: Isparta Commodity Exchange
• Type of geographical indication: Designation of origin

The geographical area defined in the document includes not only the province of Isparta but also specified production areas in Burdur, Afyonkarahisar and Denizli.

The geographical indication document defines:

• The botanical identity of the rose used
• The geographical boundaries
• Certain chemical and physical characteristics of the rose oil
• The production method
• Traceability of the raw material
• The inspection process

Not every rose oil produced in Isparta automatically qualifies to use the geographical indication logo. The product must meet the origin, production, product-characteristic and inspection requirements defined in the registration document (Turkish Patent and Trademark Office, 2019).

Türkiye’s Position in the Global Rose Industry

Thanks particularly to production in Isparta and the surrounding region, Türkiye is one of the world’s principal centres for Rosa damascena cultivation and rose essential oil production. Bulgaria and Morocco are also important producing countries recognized in the current ISO standard (ISO, 2024).

Hasan Baydar’s work reports that the Isparta-centred Lakes Region produces substantial quantities of rose flowers, rose essential oil, concrete and absolute, much of which is supplied to international markets (Baydar, n.d.).

Because production volumes can change from year to year, exact current percentages should not be given without identifying the relevant data year. Nevertheless, Türkiye’s long production history, industrial infrastructure and export experience have made it one of the central participants in the international rose-products sector.

Five Reasons for the International Recognition of the Isparta Rose

1. The Appropriate Botanical Species

The principal rose cultivated in Isparta for aromatic production is Rosa damascena, a species valued for its complex natural fragrance.

2. Geography and Climate

Altitude, temperature, morning dew, sunlight, rainfall and soil conditions shape the environment in which the flowers develop.

3. A Complex Fragrance Profile

Major compounds such as citronellol, geraniol, nerol and linalool combine with highly influential trace molecules to create the characteristic fragrance.

4. Production Knowledge Developed over Generations

Early-morning harvesting, rapid transportation, distillation experience, laboratory analysis and quality control are all part of Isparta’s production culture.

5. International Use and Geographical Protection

Isparta’s rose products are valued by the perfume, cosmetics and food sectors. The designation-of-origin registration for Isparta Rose Oil defines and protects the relationship between the product and its geographical origin.

The Akita Approach

Akita Rose Water considers the value of the oil-bearing Rosa damascena flowers cultivated in Isparta together with their botanical origin, production method and supporting scientific information.

The purpose of Akita Rose Academy is not to present the Isparta Rose only as a romantic symbol. It aims to explain the flower’s journey from the field to the bottle through clear, balanced and reliable information.

In Akita’s production approach, rose water is treated as the principal product of distillation, and the naturally occurring rose oil in the resulting distillate is not separated. This characteristic should be evaluated together with Akita’s documented production information and product analyses. It should not be used to diminish other legitimate production methods.

What Did We Learn in This Section?

No single characteristic explains why the Isparta Rose is internationally recognized.

Its value is created by:

• The botanical identity of Rosa damascena
• Isparta’s growing conditions
• Careful early-morning harvesting
• Its complex fragrance composition
• Knowledge of distillation and extraction
• Its use in the perfume and cosmetics industries
• Scientific analysis
• Geographical indication protection

The reputation of the Isparta Rose therefore represents much more than the fragrance of a flower. It is a value created by geography, science, tradition and human labour working together.

Continue Your Rose Academy Journey

In the next section, explore the botanical characteristics of Rosa damascena and learn more about its flowers, leaves, stems, prickles, fruits, seeds and pollination process.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are the Isparta Rose and Rosa damascena the same?

The name Isparta Rose is used for the oil-bearing Rosa damascena cultivated in Isparta and the geographically associated production region. However, Rosa damascena is not cultivated exclusively in Isparta.

2. Why is the Isparta Rose harvested early in the morning?

Cool morning temperatures and dew help preserve the freshness and volatile aromatic compounds of the flowers. As the temperature rises, the loss of certain volatile substances may accelerate.

3. Do rose essential oil and rose water have the same aromatic composition?

No. Some compounds have a greater affinity for the oil phase, while others pass more readily into the water phase. Phenethyl alcohol, for example, may be present at higher levels in rose water than in rose essential oil.

4. Is every rose oil produced in Isparta geographically indicated?

No. To use the geographical indication, a product must comply with the geographical boundaries, production method, product characteristics and inspection requirements defined in the registration document.

5. Does the Isparta Rose treat diseases?

There is pharmacological research involving Rosa damascena. However, laboratory or experimental studies do not prove that an individual rose water or cosmetic product treats disease. Medical claims require sufficient clinical evidence and regulatory authorization.

References

Akram, M., Riaz, M., Naveed, M., Akhter, N., Zafar, S., Jabeen, F., Ali Shariati, M., Akhtar, N., Riaz, Z., Altaf, S. H., Daniyal, M., Zahid, R., & Khan, F. S. (2020). Chemical constituents, experimental and clinical pharmacology of Rosa damascena: A literature review. Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 72(2), 161–174. https://doi.org/10.1111/jphp.13185

Baydar, H. (n.d.). Oil-bearing rose cultivation and industry [Yağ gülü tarımı ve endüstrisi]. Süleyman Demirel University, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Field Crops.
Note: The examined PDF does not provide a publication date; therefore, “n.d.” is used in accordance with APA style.

Baydar, H. (2006). Oil-bearing rose (Rosa damascena Mill.) cultivation and rose oil industry in Turkey. Euro Cosmetics, 14, 13–17.

Baydar, H., & Göktürk Baydar, N. (2005). Essential oil compositions of Turkish oil rose (Rosa damascena Mill.) products. Proceedings of the 36th International Symposium on Essential Oils.

Baydar, H., Schulz, H., Krüger, H., Erbaş, S., & Kineci, S. (2008). Influence of fermentation time, hydro-distillation time and fractions on essential oil composition of Damask rose (Rosa damascena Mill.). Journal of Essential Oil Bearing Plants, 11(3), 224–232.

International Organization for Standardization. (2024). ISO 9842:2024: Essential oil of rose (Rosa × damascena Miller). ISO standard

Turkish Patent and Trademark Office. (2019). Isparta Rose Oil: Designation of origin registration certificate No. 421. Registration document