Bulgaria - The Rose Vally

BULGARIA
The Rose Vally is one of the famous Bulgarian Symbol. There for centuries have been cultivated the Rose "Rosa damascene" from which is produced the rose oil. The Rose growing industry in Bulgaria produces 70% of the World's rose oil.

Sent by Stefka, a postcrosser from Bulgaria.

This is from Wikipedia : The Rose Valley (Bulgarian: Розова долина, Rozova dolina) is a region in Bulgaria located just south of the Balkan Mountains and the eastern part of the lower Sredna Gora chain to the south. Geologically, it consists of two river valleys, those of the Stryama to the west and the Tundzha to the east.

The valley is famous for its rose-growing industry which have been cultivated there for centuries, and which produces 85% of the world's rose oil[citation needed]. The extracts are used by perfumeries all over the world.

The centre of the rose oil industry is Kazanlak, while other towns of importance include Karlovo, Sopot, Kalofer and Pavel banya. Each year, festivals are held celebrating roses and rose oil.

The picking season lasts from May to June. During this period, the area gives off a pleasant scent and is covered with multi-coloured flowers. The gathering process, traditionally a woman's task, requires great dexterity and patience. The flowers are carefully cut one by one and laid in willow-baskets which are then sent to the distilleries.