The History of Rose Oil 3

In 1852, 300,000 muskals (or 1500 kg) of rose oil were produced in the Karlovo region. 3000 – 3500 tonnes of rose flowers are needed for 1 kg of rose oil. 7000 – 15,000 rose flowers are needed to produce 1 muskal (approx. 5 grams) of rose oil. The development of trade in rose oil and exports to Constantinople, France, England and other countries of the world begins in Bulgaria.

The cultivation of roses and the production of rose oil and rose water is moving from Kazanlak to the Karlovo region.

French cosmetics manufacturers were very well aware of the quality of Bulgarian rose oil. In 1902, Slavi Mitov from Karlovo formed an association with the Frenchman Pierre Cher and built the first steam distillery. Since then, the French have built several more distilleries in Bulgaria, where they processed rose oil. High-quality rose oil has brought (and still brings) Bulgaria a lot of recognition and awards at various exhibitions and trade fairs both in Bulgaria and around the world (and especially there...). According to known written documents at exhibitions as early as 1894, in London in 1907, awards from Paris, London, Milan and other famous places.

In 1904-1905, with the construction of several modern distilleries in the Karlovo region, it became a leading location in Bulgaria. There are approximately 38,220 hectares of planted rose fields, from which approximately 7,500,000 kg of rose flowers are obtained. After the Great Depression in the 1930s, almost all the rose fields were destroyed. But after World War II, the Bulgarian government realised the power of rose oil and took measures to develop the rose industry in Bulgaria. Planting of seedlings began again, the Rose Valley came back to life, and gave and still gives work to thousands of people.