Origins and Legends
The iconic Taif rose, scientifically known as Rosa Damascena trigintipetala, has deep historical roots. It is believed that this oil-rich, 30-petal damask rose was transplanted to Taif by the Ottoman Turks who conquered the region in the 16th century CE. Interestingly, it closely resembles the famous Bulgarian “kazanlik” strain, which itself has origins in Persian rose plantations near Shiraz and Kashan. Some local legends even trace its ancestry back to India.
Attar and Rose Water Production
Every spring, Taif comes alive with the fragrance of roses. Lorries laden with sackfuls of blossoms arrive at factories across the city. Here, workers transfer the flowers to copper stills, each capable of holding around 20,000 rose heads. The magic begins as the petals release their essence.
Attar (rose oil) and rose water are produced using traditional methods. In large, tin-lined copper boilers (each holding 120 liters or 32 gallons), approximately 10,000 rose blossoms are combined with 50 liters (13 gallons) of water. The mixture gently simmers for up to six hours.
The steam rises and is collected by an alembic—a mushroom-shaped helmet atop the boiler. Through a tube, the steam travels to a zinc cooling tank filled with tepid water. There, it condenses, separating into rose water and attar. The freshly distilled attar stands for several days, allowing impurities to settle. Carefully syringed away, it is stored in vials, each containing one tolah (approximately 11.7 grams).
The Prized Rose Oil
The pinnacle of this process is the slender film of rose oil that floats on top. This exquisite oil sells for an astonishing $40,000 per liter and is available only in tiny vials. Its intoxicating scent captivates perfumers worldwide, gracing the creations of prestigious brands like Ormonde Jayne Perfumery, Perris, Chanel, and Guerlain.
Taif Rose Festival: A Floral Extravaganza
King Faisal Park in Qadeera Every March-April, Taif celebrates its beloved rose during the Taif Rose Festival. The heart of this celebration is King Faisal Park in Qadeera, where nature’s bounty unfolds in a riot of colors.
The Flower Carpet One of the festival’s highlights is the awe-inspiring flower carpet. Spread over 750 square meters, it features a mesmerizing mosaic of over 100,000 flowers. Among them are more than 15,000 species of colorful blooms, including seedlings of the famous Taif rose. Walking on this living canvas feels like stepping into a fragrant dream.
Pavilions and Cultural Delights As you explore the festival, you’ll encounter pavilions set up by various government and private organizations. Traditional eatables, handicrafts, and folk dances add to the festive atmosphere. Children participate in cultural contests, celebrating the rich heritage of Taif and its iconic rose.
In the heart of the Garden of Hejaz, the Taif Rose Festival invites you to immerse yourself in the magic of petals, history, and community. 🌹✨
