Isparta Gülyağı
Isparta Rose Oil
Isparta Gülyağı (Isparta Rose Oil) is an essential oil obtained from flowers of Rosa damascena Mill. grown in the Lakes Region of southwestern Turkey, centred on Isparta province. The EU published the application for Protected Designation of Origin registration in the Official Journal on 26 February 2025 (C/2025/1382, EU No: PDO-TR-02884). The three-month objection period closed on 26 May 2025. The product holds domestic GI protection under TÜRKPATENT, published in Official e-Bulletin No 49 of 15 March 2019.
Isparta province is known as Turkey's rose valley. Commercial rose cultivation began in 1888, and the first rose oil was produced by distillation in 1892. The first Rose Oil Factory was opened in 1935 by order of President Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. Gülbirlik, the largest rose cooperative in the region, was founded in 1954. There are currently 34 rose oil factories in the Lakes region, 32 of them in Isparta province.
Production zone
The geographical area defined in the EU Single Document covers Isparta province, Burdur province (Centre and Ağlasun districts), Afyonkarahisar province (Dazkırı, Dinar and Başmakçı districts), and Denizli province. Isparta province accounts for 82 percent of the production area, Burdur for 10 percent, Afyonkarahisar for 6 percent, and Denizli for 2 percent.
Rose cultivation is carried out on approximately 4,100 hectares. Average annual production is 17,000 tonnes of rose flowers, of which approximately 15,000 tonnes are from Isparta province and 2,000 tonnes from the other zones. Average annual rose oil production is approximately 1.5 tonnes in the Lakes region, with 1.25 tonnes from Isparta province. The production zones range from 800 to 1,600 metres altitude.
Physical properties
The following values are taken directly from the EU Single Document (C/2025/1382):
| Property | Value | |
|---|---|---|
| Colour | Light yellow to yellowish-green | |
| Density (25°C) | 0.844–0.868 | |
| Refractive index (nD25) | 1.452–1.463 | |
| Optical rotation (25°C) | −3.3° to −5.9° | |
| Melting point (°C) | 21.0–25.0 | |
| Freezing-solidification point (°C) | 16.5–22.5 | |
| Acid value (mg KOH/g) | 1.0–3.8 | |
| Ester value (mg KOH/g) | 8.4–17.3 | |
| Stearoptenes (%) | 12.0–23.0 | |
| Total alcohol (%) | 68.2–83.1 |
Chemical composition
The primary aroma components, as confirmed in the EU Single Document, are monoterpenic alcohols (70–85%) and paraffins and stearoptenes (15–30%). Key components:
| Component | Content (%) | |
|---|---|---|
| Citronellol | 30.41–54.6 | |
| Geraniol | 7.8–23.5 | |
| Nerol | 4.6–10.2 | |
| Nonadecane | 7.2–12.0 | |
| Linalool | 1.1–3.1 | |
| Heneicosane | 1.8–4.1 | |
| Geranyl acetate | 1.5–2.2 | |
| Citronellol acetate | 1.3–1.9 | |
| Methyl eugenol | 0.8–2.0 |
Harvest and production
Flowering begins between 5–10 May at lower altitudes (800–1,000m) and continues until 1 July at the highest altitudes (1,400–1,600m). Flowers are harvested by hand during the cool morning hours between 06:00 and 10:00 each day. As temperature rises, essential oils in the flowers evaporate, so timing is critical to yield and quality.
Fully opened flowers are collected and distilled promptly. Isparta Gülyağı is produced by water distillation using copper stills (alembic system) or industrial rose oil production systems. The distillation temperature programme is controlled by the distiller's experience — insufficient heat reduces yield, while excessive heat degrades petal structure and oil quality.
Market positioning
Almost all Isparta Gülyağı produced is exported annually. The EU Single Document confirms the principal export markets as France, USA, Germany, Japan, Switzerland, Belgium, England, Netherlands, and Saudi Arabia, primarily for use in the cosmetics, perfumery, food, health, and tobacco industries.
Rose otto is one of the highest-value essential oils by weight. The narrow annual harvest window of approximately 20–25 days means global supply is fixed each year by planting area and May weather conditions. Buyers typically secure supply through multi-year contracts with major distillers.
Registration status note
This product is in the final stage of EU PDO registration. The application (PDO-TR-02884) was published in the EU Official Journal on 26 February 2025 (C/2025/1382). The three-month opposition period closed 26 May 2025. The formal Commission Implementing Regulation entering the name into eAmbrosia had not been confirmed at the time of this record's last update. Verify current status at: https://ec.europa.eu/agriculture/eambrosia/geographical-indications-register/
Registration status: This product is in the EU application pipeline. Track pipeline progress
What is the registration status of Isparta Gülyağı?
It holds domestic Turkish GI protection (TÜRKPATENT). The EU PDO application (PDO-TR-02884) was published in the EU Official Journal on 26 February 2025. The objection period closed 26 May 2025. Formal EU registration is expected to follow pending publication of the Commission Implementing Regulation.
What is the correct CN code for import classification?
The EU Single Document identifies the Combined Nomenclature code as 3301 29 42 (essential oils of rose). The HS heading is 3301.29.
Where is Isparta Gülyağı exported?
The confirmed export destinations listed in the EU PDO specification are France, USA, Germany, Japan, Switzerland, Belgium, England, Netherlands, and Saudi Arabia. Primary uses are cosmetics, perfumery, food flavouring, health products, and tobacco.
What makes it chemically distinct?
Isparta Gülyağı is characterised by its high citronellol content (30.41–54.6%) and total alcohol content (68.2–83.1%). The balanced composition of volatile substances and hydrocarbons, shaped by the climate of the Lakes Region, produces a lasting scent profile. The EU Single Document confirms these chemical parameters as the basis for the PDO quality link.
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