Celebrating the World’s Favorite Rose

Each year, thousands of people flock to Isfahan province towns to celebrate the Mohammadi rose. Visitors stroll through the city streets of Kashan for its annual rose and rosewater festival, breathing in the powerful smell, wearing crowns of roses, and buying bottles of rosewater in bulk. The nearby ancient town of Ghamsar, which is surrounded by mountains, is also a popular destination, offering a welcome break for city dwellers.

The Mohammadi – or damask – rose is harvested in the provinces of Fars, Kerman, Isfahan, East and West Azarbaijan in May and June, and sold around the world. Iran has been producing rosewater for 2,500 years.