Welcome
This application provides an overview of essential oils with a special focus on the renowned Turkish Rose Oil. Essential oils are aromatic liquids extracted from plants, widely used in food, perfume, and pharmaceutical industries. Turkey, with its ideal climate, is a significant producer of these oils, and rose oil stands out as its most popular offering. Dive in to explore its history, production, unique characteristics, and market presence.
Did You Know?
- Isparta is known as the "Rose District" of Turkey.
- Turkey produces approximately 1.5 tons of rose oil annually.
- Rose oil is one of the most expensive essential oils in the world.
Key Uses of Essential Oils
- Flavouring agents in food
- Fragrances in perfumes and cosmetics
- Therapeutic applications in aromatherapy
- Taste/smell enhancers in pharmaceuticals
Deep Dive: Turkish Rose Oil
Turkish Rose Oil, primarily from *Rosa damascena*, is a cornerstone of the natural perfume industry. Its journey from ancient fields to modern distilleries is rich with tradition and innovation. This section explores what makes this oil so special, its historical roots in Anatolia, how it's produced, its distinct properties, and the various products derived from it.
What is Rose Oil?
Rose oil is steam distilled from the flowers of the *Rosa damascena*. It's highly valued in natural perfumery for its remarkable diffusive power and ability to blend well with other florals. Its high price is attributed to the low yield of oil from a large quantity of petals, the short flowering season, and the lack of quality natural or synthetic substitutes.
History of Turkish *Rosa damascena*
1870
*Rosa damascena* was brought to Anatolia by immigrants from Bulgaria.
1888
Cultivation of the rose began in Isparta.
1892
First rose oil production by "Müftüzade İsmail Efendi" using primitive boilers ("Sitil").
1935
Atatürk instructed the Minister of Economy to build a large industrial plant for rose oil.
1958
Gülbirlik established the first modern rose oil plant.
1967
Gülbirlik established other rose oil complexes.
Production Insights
Rose cultivation for oil primarily occurs in Isparta, the "Rose District." Other areas include Afyon, Burdur, and Denizli. Turkey annually produces about 1.5 tons of rose oil and 7 tons of rose concrete. The harvest is during a 40-day season in May-June.
Key Producer: Gülbirlik
Established in 1954, Gülbirlik is the largest manufacturer and exporter, with 6 cooperatives, 8,000 members, and multiple factories, processing 3 tons of rose flowers daily.
Distillation Methods:
- Traditional (Imbeks): Village-type distillation using log-fired crude copper boilers. Slowly disappearing.
- Modern (Kazans): Factory production using hydro-steam distillation.
Both methods yield rose oil of similar quality.
Physical & Chemical Characteristics
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Odour | Strong and sweet rosaceous |
| Appearance | Liquid |
| Colour | Light Yellow - Green |
| Specific Gravity (25°C) | 0.844 - 0.868 |
| Refractive Index (25°C) | 1.4520 - 1.4630 |
| Optical Rotation (25°C) | -3.3 to -5.9 |
| Purity | 100% Natural |
| Intended Use | Perfumery – Flavour production |
Rose Damascena Products
Turkish *Rosa damascena* yields several valuable products, each with unique properties and applications in perfumery, cosmetics, and even culinary arts.
Rose Oil
Produced by steam distillation. It's the most important and expensive raw material for perfumery and cosmetics. The best quality oil comes from roses grown at 1,050m+ elevation in Isparta during May-June.
Turkey's Diverse Essential Oils
While rose oil is a flagship product, Turkey's rich biodiversity allows for the production of a wide array of other valuable essential oils. These oils also find applications in global perfumery, food, and wellness industries. The production of these oils is increasing annually, driven by both domestic and international demand.
- Laurel Leaf Oil (world-famous)
- Origanum Oil
- Lavender Oil
- Mint Oil
- Myrtle Oil
- Fennel Oil
- Anise Oil
- Cumin Seed Oil
- Sage Oil
- Juniper Oil
- Rosemary Oil
- Melissa Oil
- Pennyroyal Oil
- Styrax Oil (from *Liquiambar orientalis*, unique to Turkey)
- Vitex Oil
Exports & Market Insights
Turkey's essential oil industry, particularly rose oil, has a strong and growing presence in the global market. Exports show an increasing trend, with rose oil being a traditional and significant export item. European countries, along with the USA, are major destinations for these high-quality natural products.
Rose Oil Exports (2002-2011)
Value in US$ 1,000
Source: ITC-www.trademap.org
Total Essential Oil Exports (2011)
Value in US$ 1,000 (selected categories)
Total value of Turkish essential oils exports in 2011 was US$ 22 million. Rose oil was US$ 10 million.
Source: ITC-www.trademap.org
Major Export Destinations (2010)
Share of total Turkish essential oil exports
France, Germany, the UK, the USA, and Switzerland accounted for 87% of total exports in 2010.
The total value of Turkish essential oil exports reached US$ 22 million in 2011. Rose oil exports alone were US$ 10 million in 2011, destined for 33 countries.
Trade Fairs & Useful Links
Stay connected with the Turkish essential oil industry through relevant trade fairs and organizations that support exporters and provide market information.
Trade Fair: BeautyEurasia
International Trade Fair for Beauty Products, Cosmetics, Parfumery, Salons and Wellness.
Date: 14-16/06/2012 (Note: Historical data)
Location: Istanbul (Turkey)
www.beautyeurasia.comUseful Link: Antalya Exporters Association
The General Secretariat Of Antalya Exporters Association.
Products: Export of fresh fruit and vegetables and products, essential oils, textiles and textile raw materials, cut flowers, greenery, bulbs etc.
www.aib.org.tr