Kashan, a beautiful and ancient city in Isfahan province, is home to fragrant and colorful flowers that grow in the central desert of Iran. Located 240 kilometers from Tehran, this city lies between the Karkas mountain range and a desert area, featuring a hot and dry climate. For a long time, the people of Kashan have been engaged in processing flowers to produce rosewater. The Kashan Rosewater Festival which will take place in May with representatives from 80 countries, is an opportunity to get acquainted with this traditional and cultural industry. Eligasht will provide you with details about this festival in this article.
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When is the Kashan Rosewater Festival Held?
In spring, Kashan becomes a delightful destination for both Iranian and foreign tourists with its rosewater distillation festival. This festival, held from May 5 to May 15, showcases a beautiful and aromatic display of processing colorful flowers. Alongside this festival, you can also participate in the perfume ceremony at the Imamzadeh “Sultan Ali Mohammad” in Kashan on May 6. Qamsar, a town 30 kilometers from Kashan, is one of the main venues for the Rosewater Distillation Festival.
Kashan’s May and Rosewater Distillation
The Iranian Damask rose, which belongs to the Rosaceae family, matures in May and is ready for harvest to produce rosewater. If you visit Kashan in June, you will only see small buds that had opened on the branches in May. The roses are picked in groups early in the morning. During this event, participants start picking the flowers early and then begin the rosewater distillation process. You can also participate in this ceremony, see how rosewater is produced, and purchase the best and freshest rosewater and other distillates made alongside it. Many homes in the village of Qamsar have gardens of Damask roses and suitable pots for distillation.
History of the Kashan Rosewater festival
Iranians were the first to invent a device for distilling liquids and extracting their essences. Historical evidence about the rosewater industry supports this. Ancient Greek scholars were unaware of liquid distillation and only used extracts from red flower petals and their oils. Distillation is the basis of many modern chemical sciences, and for this reason, Iranians have played a significant role in the advancement of this science. Jabir ibn Hayyan, a Sufi, is considered the father of chemistry in this regard. The distilled water of the Damask rose, known as rosewater, has historically been used to strengthen the stomach and treat stomach and intestinal pains.
Traditional Music and Drum Ceremony in Kashan
In the past, the Kashan rosewater festival was conducted with specific customs, where flowers from gardens were transported to the distillation workshops using donkeys along with music and drums. Even today, in some areas of Kashan, these traditions are preserved, and flowers from Niasar are collected with camels to produce rosewater according to a 140-year-old custom.
Steps of Rosewater Distillation
When you arrive at the rosewater distillation workshops in Kashan, you are welcomed with cold syrups to cool you down from the heat, allowing you to enjoy watching the distillation process in comfort. To begin the rosewater distillation, special boilers are placed on the stove. Depending on the boiler’s capacity, fresh flowers are mixed with water at a ratio of about three times their volume. The boilers are covered, sealing any possible gaps to keep the steam inside. The distillation process begins by igniting the stove flames or, in some cases, burning wood, lasting about four hours. Typically, before starting the ceremony, the boiler and flowers are taken to the riverside, where religious prayers are recited.
Once the contents of the boiler boil, the steam is released through pipes into a large copper jar, which is cooled by cold water. When this steam cools down, rosewater is produced. Each jar can yield about 30 to 40 kilograms of rosewater.
To separate the flower’s scent, a very thin layer of oil that forms on top of the rosewater must be collected with a syringe. If you desire a stronger and custom rosewater, it must be boiled again in the boiler. The rosewater distillation ceremony in Kashan attracts many tourists from both inside and outside the country who visit Niasar to witness this beautiful process up close. During the festival, exemplary distillers who have produced high-quality rosewater and extracts are honored. Journalists and officials also attend this ceremony, and exemplary flower growers from the region are introduced. Guests enjoy syrups made from fresh rosewater.
How to Attend the Kashan Rosewater festival
To attend the Kashan rosewater festival, you can visit the cities of “Qamsar” and “Niasar,” which are located about 30 kilometers from Kashan. This ceremony is held every spring, usually from mid-May to the end of June. You can observe the distillation process of Damask roses using both traditional and industrial methods in the distillation workshops and enjoy the delightful fragrance. High-quality rosewater and extracts can also be purchased from local producers. To reach “Qamsar” and “Niasar,” you can use city taxis.
Where to Stay in Qamsar and Niasar?
For accommodation in the cities of “Qamsar” and “Niasar,” you can choose from local hotels and guesthouses. Based on travelers’ reviews, some of the best accommodations in these cities include:
– Golabe Qamsar Hotel: This hotel has 10 rooms with amenities and is located near the rosewater distillation workshops.
– Bustan Golab Niasar Guesthouse: This guesthouse features 5 rooms with traditional and modern designs and is situated in the historic neighborhood of Niasar.
Don’t Miss These Activities When Visiting Kashan
Kashan is an ancient and historical city with many tourist attractions. Here are some activities you can do in Kashan:
- Visit Historical Houses: Kashan is home to several beautiful historical houses that are outstanding examples of traditional Iranian architecture. Some of the most famous historical houses in Kashan include the Tabatabai House, Abbasi House, Borujerdi House, and Ameri House.
- Explore the Kashan Bazaar: The Kashan Bazaar is an old and vibrant marketplace featuring several sections, mosques, baths, caravanserais, and museums. You can see and purchase various handicrafts, carpets, rosewater, herbal distillates, and local clothing in the Kashan Bazaar.
- Continue to Sultan Amir Ahmad Bathhouse: The Sultan Amir Ahmad Bathhouse is a beautiful historical bath built in the 19th century. It features colorful tile designs, brickwork, copper fixtures, and underground ceilings. You can tour the bath and enjoy the view from its rooftop.
- Stroll Through Fin Garden: Fin Garden is a historical garden recognized by UNESCO, built in the 16th century. It boasts lush trees, decorative fountains, water pools, arched bridges, and ancient buildings. You can walk through Fin Garden and enjoy its beautiful and serene nature.
Final words
The Kashan Rosewater Festival is a traditional seasonal celebration held in spring. During this festival, the Damask roses grown in the surrounding areas of Kashan are distilled using both industrial and traditional methods, producing high-quality rosewater and herbal distillates. This festival offers a chance to witness the rosewater distillation process, purchase rosewater and herbal distillates, enjoy the delightful scent of the flowers, and participate in local religious and cultural ceremonies. Each year, it attracts many tourists from both inside and outside the country.
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FAQ
What is the Kashan Rosewater Festival, and when does it take place?
The Kashan Rosewater Festival is an annual event celebrating the centuries-old tradition of rosewater production in Kashan, Iran. It typically takes place in late May to early June, coinciding with the blooming season of the fragrant Mohammadi roses.
What can visitors expect to experience at the Kashan Rosewater Festival?
Visitors to the Kashan Rosewater Festival can immerse themselves in a variety of activities, including witnessing the traditional process of distilling rosewater, participating in cultural performances, sampling rose-flavored delicacies, and exploring local crafts and products.
How is rosewater made during the festival, and what makes Kashan’s rosewater unique?
During the festival, attendees can observe the intricate process of distilling rosewater, where freshly picked Mohammadi roses are carefully processed to extract the fragrant essence. Kashan’s rosewater is renowned for its high quality and unique floral aroma, attributed to the region’s fertile soil and favorable climate for rose cultivation.
Are there any special ceremonies or rituals associated with the Kashan Rosewater Festival?
The festival often features traditional ceremonies and rituals that pay homage to the significance of rosewater in Iranian culture. Visitors may witness cultural performances, poetry readings, and rituals symbolizing the importance of roses and rosewater in Persian traditions and folklore.
How can visitors participate in the Kashan Rosewater Festival, and are there accommodations available in the area?
Visitors can participate in the Kashan Rosewater Festival by attending the various events and activities organized during the festival period. Accommodations ranging from traditional guesthouses to modern hotels are available in Kashan and nearby areas, providing visitors with a comfortable stay while they partake in the festivities and explore the region’s cultural heritage.