Taif: In one of Taif's farms, the story of the first Taif rose factory unfolds not only through its fragrance but through a history spanning more than a century. This legacy has been passed down through generations, preserving the secrets of the distillation process that shaped the identity of this long-standing product.

According to Saudi Press Agency, young Abdulrahman bin Hamid Al-Qurashi recounts that the story began with his grandfather, who sold Taif roses to pilgrims. Their quality attracted the attention of a pilgrim from India, who promised to bring him a special copper distillation pot the following season.

Al-Qurashi said, 'The pilgrim fulfilled his promise and brought the copper pot, which we have kept for over 100 years.' He noted that his grandfather initially used it to boil roses to extract rose water, until a pivotal development enabled him to extract rose oil for the first time. He added that despite crop failures in some seasons, the use of the copper pot contributed to advancing rose-based products, from rose water to the more valuable rose oil. He explained that his family was among the first to engage in rose distillation, as his grandfather Abdullah was one of the early practitioners in the green valley between the mountains of Al-Hada.

Al-Qurashi pointed out that the price of rose water at the time was around SAR1.5, before the industry evolved and gained greater economic value. The first tola of rose oil was sold at a high price due to its rarity and superior quality.

Detailing the craft, he explained that the process begins at first light, when roses are carefully harvested to preserve their aromatic oils. They are then transported to traditional processing facilities, where copper pots, still carrying the scent of history, are used. He noted that rose farms in Al-Hada and Al-Shafa are considered among the most renowned globally, according to farmers' experience, due to their ideal conditions for producing high-quality roses.

He added that farmers today continue to refine their methods while preserving the traditional heritage that has distinguished Taif roses for decades and enabled their reach into local and international markets.