"THE ROSE: THE ETERNAL SYMBOL OF LOVE", ISPARTA TURKEY

Present A CULTURAL TOUR DEDICATED TO

Isparta, Turkey : June 7-9, 2013

The Turkish Cultural Foundation’s Culinary Arts Center – YESAM (Yemek Sanatlari Merkezi) in Istanbul is pleased to present a cultural journey to the heart of the Rose. The rose holds a unique place in Turkish history and art and has been a symbol of elegance, sanctity and love, and the subject of poems, hymns and enchanted tales. In addition, roses are cherished in Turkey for their fragrance, healing and cosmetic properties and their delicate taste. They are used in producing rose oil and rose water, as well as in confectionary, includinglokum - Turkish delight. Over the centuries, Isparta  has become a center of rose oil and rose water production in Anatolia. This process began with Muftuzade Ismail Efendi, an Ottoman official stationed in Kizanlik (in today’s Bulgaria) in the late 19th century, who observed the cultivation of roses and rose oil production in the strictly guarded “Rose Valley” of the region. Ismail Efendi brought back a rose cutting to Isparta, planted it in his own garden and began growing roses. He later used a still to produce the first rose oil in Isparta in 1892. He became known by the cognomen “Gülcü” (rose grower).  Ismail Efendi’s love of roses quickly spread, turning Isparta into the rose capital of Turkey. YESAM invites you on a special cultural and culinary adventure to witness the rose harvest in Isparta and discover the beauty, fragrance and taste of the rose. The tour will be guided by Professor Ayten Altintas, faculty member of the Department of Medical History and Ethics at Cerrahpasa Medical School, who is a renowned expert on the medical and natural cosmetic properties of roses and their place in Ottoman medicine. This tour has been organized in cooperation with Nar Gourmet. Transportation will be provided on a private direct flight to Isparta by Borajet.