Rose Gardens, cooperation and Sagalassos Ancient city.
Roses,
are the oldest source of perfume.Ancient Sanskrit documents mention rose
oil,which is the strongest form of this scent, and in Iliad Homer relates how
Aphrodite rubbed Hector’s dead body with rose oil. What was meant by rose oil
was not what we mean by this term today, since we learnt from Hippocrates that
it was obtained by stirring rose petals into hot olive oil. The method of
extracting essential oil of roses was not discovered until much later. The most
delightful story told of the discovery of the essential oil relates to the
Mughul emperor Jihangir, who is said to have distilled rose water poured into
channels in the extensive garden of his
palace so that the air was filled with this scent. One day when the emperor’s
wife was strolling through the garden she noticed a thin layer of oil on the
surface of the rose water an examing it realised that this was where the power
of the perfume was concentrated. From that time on she used the oil of distilled
rose water for her perfume.
The Isparta area ( ca 150 km north of Antalya) is known of rose
cultivation. In May and June villagers are very busy gathering
the blooms. Before the sun has risen
over the horizon the people set off on their tractors and donkeys to the rose
gardens. After gathering the blooms are taken to the local cooperation where
rose water, soap and cremes are produced. Until around 25 years ago every
household produced its own rose oil but today just a few continue this old
tradition where to extract the expensive oil ( for one liter oil you need
approximately 4.500 roses ) petals are boiled over a woodfire in stills made by
coppersmiths.
You will all see this on a daily tour to Isparta, Senir and Sagalassos
Departure : every Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday.
Dates: 15 May- 27 June
Minimum: 4 persons.
Price : € 45 p.p.
Includes:
Transport, tourleader, lunch, visit to rose gardens and local cooperative,
entrance fees to Sagalassos Ancient Site.
Program:
You will be collected from you hotel between 07.00-08.00 A.M and driven to the Rose gardens at Senir village in Isparta region. Followed a breakfast stop visit to the Rose gardens and local cooperation. After given information about the different production methods you have the opportunity to buy rose- water, soap, oil or even rose marmalade. Before we leave taste the local food at the cooperation and continue to beautifully excavated Sagalassos, Ancient site before return to Antalya.
Note: Muddy when it rains. You will need boots when it's wet.
