Video: The Damascene rose in Al-Mrah
The story of the Damask rose and the Syrian families who still lovingly cultivate it today.
The Damask rose is perhaps the most famous rose variety—a popular subject of poetry and romance. But for many families in Syria and abroad, the rose is also an important livelihood. Rose farmers in Syria grow the plants, harvest their flowers, and process them into a number of lucrative products like perfume, rose oil extracts, rose water, and medicinal supplements. These farms are typically family owned, with members of all generations contributing as they are able. Children, for example, often help with the sowing and harvesting, while older family members might work more in processing.
What makes the Damask rose so popular? The answer is found in its fragrant aroma. The flower has been bred for thousands of years to produce a strong, sweet scent nearly unmatched by other rose varieties. The reputation of the Damask rose has allowed it to remain a central industry in Syria, and one that will likely continue into the future.
This video, courtesy of UNESCO, takes us to the heart of a rose farm in the village of Al-Mrah. Through the video, we visit a family who rely on the rose for their living and explore the culture that has developed around this coveted flower.
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