Latest news with #Damask
Borneo Post
4 days ago
- General
- Borneo Post
Syria's Damask rose wilts under climate stress, farmers cling to heritage
A farmer harvests Damascene rose petals in the town of Al-Marah, Syria, June 14, 2025.(Photo by Monsef Memari/Xinhua) AL-MARAH, Syria (June 18): In the hillside town of Al-Marah, nestled in the Qalamoun mountains north of Damascus, the legendary Damascene rose is facing one of its most difficult seasons in recent memory. A symbol of Syria's cultural and botanical heritage, the Damask rose has bloomed for centuries in this rugged landscape. Once the village's economic backbone and a source of global pride, the delicate flower now struggles to survive amid shifting climate patterns. 'This year has been one of the worst,' said Mohammad Jamal Abbas, a local farmer also known as Abu Qusai. 'Rainfall was only about 20 millimeters, around 25 percent of the average. We used to get 125 or 150 millimeters. Add to that a wave of heat, then another of severe cold. All of it affected production.' Speaking to Xinhua, Abbas explained that they began irrigating the bushes solely to preserve their survival, not for any specific production or other purposes. Their primary objective was to ensure that the bushes did not perish. Syria is currently experiencing a severe drought, potentially the worst in 36 years. The drought has led to a significant drop in wheat production and widespread water scarcity. UN humanitarian office has warned that the drought could push 60 percent of the population closer to hunger. But Abbas, like many others in Al-Marah, refuses to abandon the rose that has shaped their identity. 'This is our labor, our work through all these years. It is impossible to give up. We are here every day.' The practices and craftsmanship associated with the Damask Rose were inscribed in 2019 on the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage. The annual harvest starts in May. Families venture into the fields at dawn to handpick the roses, then gather in the afternoon to sort the buds for drying into tea and prepare the rest for distillation. Women come together to make rose syrup, jam, and pastries, singing traditional songs as they work. Diaa al-Khatib, farmer and school principal, recounted to Xinhua how farming was the main business in their town before bad weather forced many farmers to change jobs. 'In the past, this was the main income for most of the village's farmers. Now, due to drought, it's become secondary. Very few still depend solely on the Damask rose. Production is down, profits are down, so people have turned to other work.' The link to the Damascene rose, however, is deeper than economics. 'We can't let go of it. It's an inheritance from our ancestors,' al-Khatib said. 'There's a spiritual connection. When you give something your effort, you grow attached.' Over the past four to five years, Al-Marah has not seen snow, which the rose depends on for nourishment. Farmers now use supplementary irrigation to compensate, though not enough to transform the fields into fully irrigated land. 'We're not trying to switch from rain-fed to irrigated farming,' al-Khatib said, explaining that it would change the characteristics of the Damask rose. The farmers say the rose, which is renowned for its special flagrance, and heady-scented oil, is their heritage. Despite setbacks, the rose continues to attract attention. 'We've seen more foreign delegations visit than in previous years,' said al-Khatib. 'They came, took reports on how the rose is grown and irrigated. But whether this interest will turn into something tangible for us, we still don't know,' he said. – Xinhua climate change cultural heritage ROSE Syria
The Star
09-06-2025
- The Star
Petal power in the High Atlas
Winners of the Miss Rose beauty pageant joining a parade during the annual Rose Festival in Kalaat M'Gouna. The small town in the High Atlas mountains comes to life each year during the International Rose Festival, now in its 60th year. — AP GLOVED and armed with shears, women weave through thorny brambles, clipping and tossing their harvest into wheelbarrows. 'Thank God for the rain,' said rose picker Fatima El Alami. 'There are roses elsewhere, but there's nowhere like here.' She's right. Mild temperatures, steady sunlight and low humidity make the fields around Kalaat M'Gouna in Morocco a perfect cradle for growing its signature flower: the Damask rose. Abundant precipitation and several desert downpours this year have bestowed Morocco with an exceptional yield of the flower, used for rosewater and rose oil. Pink and pungent, the roses are set to come in at 4,800 tonnes this year, a bloom far beyond the 2020-2023 average, according to the Regional Office for Agricultural Development, in nearby Ouarzazate. The small town in the High Atlas mountains comes to life each year during the International Rose Festival, which is now in its 60th year. From the rose-shaped monuments at Kalaat M'Gouna's entrances to the Pepto Bismol pink taxis, nearly everything here adheres to the theme. Teenagers sell heart-shaped rose dashboard ornaments along the roadside where wild briars bloom into pink tangles. Children whirl around a rose-themed carousel. Roadside placards advertise rose products in at least six languages: English, French, Arabic, Spanish, Japanese and Amazigh, a tongue indigenous to the region. Outside the town, roses span 1,020ha across the region this year. One hectare of roses requires little water and provides more than 120 days of work in a local economy where opportunities are scarce. Regional officials say the rose industry is a prime example of sustainable development because the flowers are well-adapted to the climate and rooted in the culture – music, dance and celebrations like weddings. 'Roses here are perfectly adapted to the region and to the conditions we're living in now,' said Abdelaziz Ait Mbirik, director of the local Agricultural Development Office, referencing Morocco's prolonged drought conditions. The value of a kilogramme of roses is five to six times higher than it was several years ago. And unlike some other agricultural products that Morocco exports, Kalaat M'Gouna's roses are largely grown by small-scale farmers and nourished with drip irrigation. Though roses are broadly considered a lifeblood to the local economy, women toiling in the fields make an average of 80 to 100 Moroccan dirhams (RM37 to RM46) a day during harvest season. From the fields where they labour, the roses are bundled into potato sacks and sold to local distilleries like Mohammed Ait Hamed's. There, they are splayed onto tables, sorted and ultimately poured into copper cauldrons known as alembic stills, where they're steamed and filtered into fragrant water and precious oil. The two are packaged into pink bottles, tiny glass vials or spun into soaps or lotions. Long seen as a natural remedy for a variety of ails in Morocco, rose-based products are increasingly high in demand worldwide. Rosewater and oil are often incorporated into perfumes, toners or facial mists and marketed for their sweet and soothing smell as well as their anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties. Elixirs, tonics and balms were flying off the shelves recently at festival booths staffed by local cooperatives from all over the region. The demand has spurred local officials to find ways to incentivise farmers to expand rose production in the upcoming years. At the festival parade, as drummers tapped their sticks in cadence, Fatima Zahra Bermaki, crowned this year's Miss Rose, waved from a float draped in petals. Fatima said she hoped the world could one day know the beauty of Kalaat M'Gouna and its desert roses. But amid the commotion, she remembered something: 'The ladies who pick the flowers are the important ones in all of this. If they weren't here, none of this would be,' she said. — AP
Observer
01-06-2025
- Business
- Observer
How the Oman Perfume Show Is the Ultimate Industry Incubator
This year's Oman Perfume Show once again drew a large crowd, especially young entrepreneurs eager to turn their passion for scents into a thriving business. Since its inception, the Oman Perfume Show has been more than just a marketplace—it's become a launchpad for young Omanis and emerging perfume brands trying to make a mark in a competitive industry. The event provides an ideal space for fresh talent to showcase their creativity and visions, ensuring the future of Oman's fragrant tradition remains vibrant and evolving. One of the standout young brands this year is OVA Perfume. Their owner and team are passionate about their heritage, drawing inspiration from Oman's rich ingredients and blending them with modern ideas to create fragrances suited not just for local tastes but for global markets. Their stall caught the eye with its monochrome design of many shades of grey—simple but sophisticated, reflecting the brand's focus on purity and balance. As visitors stopped by, they eagerly discussed each ingredient and the process behind every scent, from the raw materials to the finished product. The team was busy, engaging with passersby, explaining how their perfumes are crafted, and sharing their vision of putting Omani perfume on the international map. OVA Perfume isn't alone. Behind the scenes, dozens of new perfume houses have sprung up across Oman, spurred by the lucrative possibilities of the fragrance industry. With many young Omanis pursuing their dreams and seeing the potential in perfumery, the scene is buzzing with innovation and enthusiasm. These brands are eager to bring a piece of Oman's natural beauty—like frankincense, rose, and oud—into bottles that appeal worldwide. The energy among these startups mirrors a broader growth trend: Oman's perfume industry is now recognised as an important part of the national economy and cultural identity. The growth of the perfume market in Oman reflects larger regional trends. Globally, the fragrance industry is booming—with Mordor Intelligence estimating the GCC market to be worth over $3 billion in 2024. The Middle East, in particular, has a long-standing tradition of scent craftsmanship. Countries like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Oman have become key players, thanks in part to their access to unique ingredients and a culture that prizes scent as a reflection of hospitality and identity. Oman's own ingredients are especially prized. The country's frankincense from Dhofar, Damask roses, and luban (liquorice) are highly valued in the world of perfumery. These ingredients have been used in perfumes for centuries and are now increasingly sought after by brands aiming to incorporate authentic, locally-sourced components. The unique biodiversity of Oman makes it an ideal place for perfumers looking to source raw materials that are truly exceptional. Industry experts forecast that this emphasis on local ingredients will only intensify, attracting more brands and investment. This year's Oman Perfume Show reinforced that notion—showcasing the best of what Oman has to offer. The show isn't just about selling scents; it's a celebration of craftsmanship, ingredients, and the stories behind each fragrance. As one walks through the exhibition hall, it's clear that Oman is carving out a niche where tradition meets modernity. New brands like Immortal Oud from Thailand and regional players such as Asateer Oud and Dkhoon Emirates have joined the mix, bringing diversity and fresh perspectives to the event. A key part of the show's success lies in the seminars and workshops designed for aspiring perfumers and industry enthusiasts. Over five days, visitors have the chance to learn about scent blending, ingredient sourcing, and the latest technology in perfume production. These sessions are packed with tips and tricks, perfect for those who dream of starting their own brands or improving their craft. Attendees can discover innovative ways to create long-lasting fragrances, explore sustainable practices, and get insights into branding and marketing. The event truly offers a 360-degree experience—blending business, tradition, and innovation. The importance of these educational sessions can't be overstated. With the perfume industry becoming more competitive and globalised, staying updated on technological trends and market shifts is essential. For example, advances in sustainable sourcing and eco-friendly packaging are gaining popularity, and many young perfumers are eager to adopt these new practices to set themselves apart. As the show approaches its final day on June 2, the atmosphere is lively. Visitors are enjoying not only the scents but also the accompanying activities—live music performances, food stalls, and open conversations with perfumers. For many, this is more than a shopping trip; it's an immersive experience that celebrates culture and creativity. The event even includes a calligraphy corner where visitors can personalise perfume bottles—making for perfect Eid gifts or souvenirs. With more than 100 exhibitors from across the GCC and Asia, this year's event has clearly cemented Oman's place as a rising fragrance hub. As it wraps up, the show leaves behind a sense of excitement and possibility. Oman is embracing its fragrant roots and heading into a future where its scents reach markets around the world, telling stories of land, tradition, and creativity. Whether you're a perfume enthusiast, a budding perfumer, or simply curious about Oman's aromatic heritage, the show offers a snapshot of a thriving industry on the cusp of even greater achievements. And with the momentum it has gained, Oman's floral, spicy, and woody scents are set to become more popular worldwide—all thanks to the passion of young Omanis and their shared love for the art of perfumery.
Buzz Feed
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
Gwyneth Paltrow Recalls Vagina Candle Release, Shocked
Back in 2020, Gwyneth Paltrow memorably sold a candle called 'This Smells Like My Vagina' for $75 via her website Goop. The scent — which was a blend of "geranium, citrusy bergamot, and cedar absolutes juxtaposed with Damask rose and ambrette seed" — was described as 'funny, gorgeous, sexy, and beautifully unexpected.' Fast forward to today, Gwyneth has defended the candle once more, claiming again that she seemingly had no clue that it would actually get made once she joked about the vagina-esque scent. During an appearance at the 2025 Mindvalley Manifesting Summit this weekend, Gwyneth recalled, 'That product is so fascinating because we were messing around with different scents one day. And I smelled something and I was like, 'Oh, that smells like … you know.' 'I was joking. And then [Douglas] was like, 'Oh we should make that a candle and put it on the site,'' she said, referring to Douglas Little, who works on all Goop fragrances. 'All of a sudden, it was literally on the website. And then we broke the Internet again. And then it took us a long time to live that one down,' she said. Reacting to Gwyneth's comments, several internet users couldn't help but question her story. ''I just make jokes and then my team goes rogue without thinking of potential PR issues, and I have no say in what is produced, labelled or goes on the website for my own brand.' Sure, Jan,' one Reddit user said. What do you think? Let us know in the comments.
Ya Biladi
08-05-2025
- Business
- Ya Biladi
Morocco's Damask rose production set to surge : A boost for sustainable development
The projected production of the Damask rose (Rosa damascena) is estimated at over 4,800 tons for the 2024-2025 agricultural season, compared to 3,500 tons in 2023-2024, according to the Regional Office for Agricultural Development (ORMVA) of Ouarzazate. The area cultivated with this flower in the province of Tinghir has reached 1,020 hectares, with exports of about 60 tons, specified Abdellah Abdellaoui, head of the agricultural production service at the ORMVA of Ouarzazate, during a scientific symposium held on Wednesday on the sidelines of the 60th edition of the International Rose Festival in Morocco (from May 5 to 8) in Kelâat M'Gouna. The rose industry has benefited, within the framework of the Green Morocco Plan, from two distinctive signs of origin and quality, including the protected designation of origin «Rose of Kelâa M'gouna-Dadès» and «Rose Water of Kelâat M'Gouna-Dadès», concentrated mainly in the communes of Ait Sedrate Sahl Gharbia (31%), Khémis Dadès (29%), Ait Sedrate Sahl Charkia (19%), Kelâat M'Gouna (11%), and Ait Ouassif (10%), detailed Abdellah Abdellaoui. While calling for the promotion of scientific research to advance this sector, the official highlighted certain constraints that still hinder the development of this industry, particularly concerning the adoption of underdeveloped techniques in processing this flower and illegal competition. Organized by the Ministry of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development, and Water and Forests, in partnership with the province of Tinghir and national and international partners, the International Rose Festival is themed this year as «Rose Industry: A Lever for Sustainable Development within the Framework of the Green Generation Strategy».
