Tehran - Damask rose, also known as the Isfahan rose, has been cultivated in Iran for centuries and is celebrated as the country’s national flower due to its profound cultural and historical significance.

 

The rose, with colors ranging from light pink to bright red, belongs to the Rosaceae family, and its fresh and dried flowers and buds are widely utilized. The plant is also highly drought-resistant, making it well-suited to Iran’s climate.

 

More than an economic crop, the Damask rose is a symbol of Iran’s cultural and historical heritage. Key products derived from the rose include rosewater, essential oils, dried buds, dried petals, and petal powder, which find extensive applications in the pharmaceutical, perfumery, cosmetic, hygiene, and food industries.

 

Iran produces approximately 90,000 tons of Damask rose annually across 30,000 hectares, ranking first globally in the production of rose buds, rosewater, rose oil, and rose-based fragrances. Of this output, around 22,000 tons are processed into dried rose products, according to a report carried by the official website of the Minsitry of Agriculture on Thursday. 

 

The country also exports roughly $10 million worth of Damask rose and its derivatives each year to 36–38 countries, representing more than 70 percent of the global market share for this prized product.