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CNN World Report

Rose Water Is a Part of Traditional Iranian Culture

Aired July 15, 2001 - 14:24   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
ASIEH NAMDAR, CNN ANCHOR: Iran is known for making beautiful carpets, delicious caviar and homegrown pistachios like no other, but it also prizes itself on producing high quality rose water.

SHIHAB RATTANSI, CNN ANCHOR: Every year, the country exports 40,000 tons of rose water to neighboring countries, and Iran's IRIB reports the commodity can be used in a variety of ways.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

HOSSEIN ANSARI, IRIB CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Nature lovers travel to Pamsar (ph), a town near the city of Kashan to tour its untouched nature and fabulous rose gardens.

The Damask rose blossoms in the middle of the spring, as well as its fragrance and natural scent attract a large number of visitors, both local and foreigners, to the city. The pleasant fragrance of the Damask rose escapes by sunlight, so before sunrise the red roses are picked for extracts of rose water, to obtain the best out of it.

(on camera): Since the time for extracting rose water in Kashan is limited, it's not possible for everyone to go there and watch it closely for themselves. Therefore, one of Tehran's cultural centers has brought all the necessary equipment here to the heart of Tehran.

(voice-over): Production of rose water have continued in a traditional way generation after generation. Large pots and kettles of (UNINTELLIGIBLE) fire are things needed to produce fragrant rose water.

(on camera): What does the sweet fragrance of rose water remind you of?

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: It reminds me of the Iranian national identity and the holy places.

ANSARI (voice-over): Every year during the Hajj pilgrimage to the house of God is washed by Kashan's rose water. Rose water has deep roots in Iran's culture and has long been exported to neighboring countries. Currently, some 4,000 tons of rose water is exported annually, 3,000 tons of red rose, 6,000 tons of high quality rose water and 1,500 tons of various plants and medicinal waters are produced in Kashan every year.

(on camera): What are the uses of rose water in Iran?

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We use for different cases, such as cooking, for making candy, and also we use for -- some people in Iran use for tea. They pour it in their tea, and we have different, you know, uses of this water rose.

ANSARI (voice-over): One traditionally extraction of rose water had a lot of advocates. Factories are also producing rose water because of high demand.

Hossein Ansari, IRIB's correspondent, reporting for CNN WORLD REPORT.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

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