RETREAT – CELEBRATING MAGICAL ATTRIBUTES OF ROSES
Rosa damascena is a symbol of beauty and love in the collective memory of humanity yet it is also an important medicinal plant. It has a significant place in our culture since the Ottoman Empire.
During the retreat you will learn about the history of rose, its place in the perfume world and how its fragrance have been a major attraction both in the East and the West for centuries. We will visit one of the the largest rose plantation cities in the world, Isparta located in the Mediterranean region of Turkey. We will harvest roses early in the morning with the locals followed by a trip to a Rose Oil Factory to observe the traditional way as well as the modern way of rose oil distillation. You will have the opportunity to create your personal rose perfume at our workshop. There will be a special lecture about the importance of rose in healthcare and culinary practices since the Ottoman times.
During your trip, you will also visit historical monuments of Istanbul; the Capital of East Roman Empire and the Ottoman Empire.
We look forward to welcoming you to our special Aromatherapy Retreat – to discover the power of Roses!
DESTINATIONS
ISTANBUL
Istanbul is a magnificent city with a wealth of culture, history and nightlife. Split into two by the Bosphorus Strait, it is the only city in the world to straddle two continents, Europe and Asia, thus has two contrasting atmospheres. Istanbul was founded in the 7th century BC on a naturally defensive site from which trade along the Bosphorus could be controlled. For 16 centuries it was a great imperial capital, first of the Byzantine and then of the Ottoman Empire. Some knowledge of the histories of these two civilizations will help visitors to appreciate the magnificent monuments found throughout the city.
Hagia Sophia, Hippodrome and Underground Cisterns are from the Byzantine times; Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Spice Market, Grand Bazaar, Funicular are from the Ottoman Empire times. Secular Republic of Turkey is established by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk in 1923.
ISPARTA
Isparta is a city in the southern east of Istanbul. Since 1888, rose plantation and rose oil/water distillation is increasing progressively in city of rose, Isparta. Turkey is the number one supplier of Rosa damascena essential oil in the world. Especially in May, all the landscape smell beautifully and scene is wonderfully pink because of the Rosa damascena flowers. Since 2000, Lavandula officinalis plantation and lavender oil distillation are also growing in Isparta city.
