Milikouri’s forgotten tradition of Damask rose cultivation
Damask rose cultivation and the production of rose essence once supported families and brought recognition to the village of Milikouri.
Milikouri, Cyprus. The mountain village of Milikouri was once known beyond Cyprus for cultivating Damask roses and producing rose essence and rose oil for the perfume industry.
The Rosa damascena also served a practical role in the village, with rose bushes planted along vineyard edges as natural borders to help retain soil.
Growth of rose production
The flowers provided local families with an additional source of income. According to researcher Anna Tselepou, rose production became particularly important from the spring of 1917.
Rose essence and rose oil were valuable raw materials for perfume production and helped establish Milikouri’s reputation.
Distilleries and expansion
Milikouri established its first modern distillery in 1919. A second distillery followed in 1930, when a rose production company was also founded.
Cultivation expanded in 1940 after a large area of government forest was granted to the village. Production became more organised, and rose essence and oil from Milikouri began reaching markets elsewhere.
Cooperative and decline
The village’s rose industry provided work and income for local families. In 1963, the Rose Growers Cooperative Society was established, helping to sustain the sector for several more years.
The tradition later declined.
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