Bulgaria's 'liquid gold': The precious rose oil that costs a fortune

Known as "liquid gold," an exceptionally valuable natural extract is produced from the intensely fragrant Rosa damascena flower, a variety of rose with origins tracing back to Iran and Syria. This precious oil, highly sought after in the luxury perfume market, has become a cornerstone of Bulgaria's national economy.

Bulgaria is the world's leading producer of premium rose oil, accounting for more than half of the global supply. The country's unique climate provides an ideal environment for the cultivation of Rosa damascena, resulting in an oil of unparalleled quality. This makes the Bulgarian rose oil significantly more valuable than gold, capable of generating substantial wealth for those involved in its cultivation and extraction.

The Rosa damascena itself is not a wild plant but a hybrid created over three millennia ago. Scientific understanding suggests it is a cross between Rosa moschata and Rosa gallica, further hybridized with Rosa fedtschenkoana. While its origins are linked to Central Asia, Iran, and Syria, its cultivation flourished, with its tradition recognized by UNESCO as part of Syria's cultural heritage in 2019. The flower's beauty, delicacy, and especially its rich perfume have been celebrated for centuries, cementing its status as a national symbol in Iran and a vital economic asset for Bulgaria.