Isparta is the world's largest producer of rose oil that made its name supplying rosewater to the Grand Mosque in Mecca. Amongst the other derived products of rose oil, one can mention: cosmetics (perfume, creams, serums, soaps, lotions, shampoo, bubble bath) and sweets (jam, lokum and helva, ice-cream, rose şerbet drink).

On the picture: on the right, a recent ‘monument’ in honour of the roses from Isparta.
On the left: the south facade of the Firdevs Bey Bedesteni (Covered Market), build around 1561 by Firdevs Bey, the Ottoman governor of the region.

Correspondent: J.M.Criel, Antwerpen.
Sources: (amongst others) Websites of ‘Ispartarose.com’ & ‘Ispartamız.com’.