Turkish Rose

What Does It Smell Like?

Turkish Rose smells like walking through a sun-warmed garden after rain—intensely floral, with a slightly spiced, almost peppery undertone that sets it apart from delicate rose notes. Imagine crushed rose petals mixed with honey and a whisper of cloves; it's rich and full-bodied, neither cloying nor thin. There's an almost wine-like warmth to it, slightly animalic and earthy, as if you've buried your face in a bouquet of the most mature, voluptuous blooms imaginable. It feels luxurious and old-world, rather than the fresh, dewy quality of lighter florals.

Origin & History

Turkish Rose (often called Damask Rose from the Kazanlak Valley in Bulgaria, though also grown in Turkey and Persia) has been prized for over 1,000 years. These roses are harvested at dawn when their oil content peaks, then distilled through steam extraction to produce precious rose otto—a thick, honey-coloured absolute. The process is labour-intensive; it takes roughly 4 tonnes of rose petals to yield just one litre of oil. Modern perfumery often uses synthetic rose compounds (like geraniol and phenethyl alcohol) alongside the precious natural oil to balance cost and consistency.

In Perfumery

Turkish Rose serves as a classic heart note, anchoring compositions with elegance and depth. Perfumers use it to add richness, femininity, and timeless sophistication. It bridges both traditional and contemporary styles, lending warmth to fresh compositions or deepening floral bouquets, often paired with oud, amber, or musk for orientals.

Pairs Beautifully With

Featured In 88 Fragrances