Bountiful Fruits and Vegetables
Bulgaria is known for its plentiful fruits. In the valleys, there are many vineyards that produce excellent wine. The country grows a wide variety of vegetables that are common in temperate climates. Additionally, tobacco and cotton also grow very well in Bulgaria’s climate Protestant Missionaries in Bulgaria.
Even though the soil in Bulgaria has been producing crops for over two thousand years, no chemical fertilizers are used. The land remains fertile and productive, which shows the traditional farming methods still work well.
The Rose Industry
Attar of Roses and Its Economic Importance
One of Bulgaria’s most famous products is attar of roses, which is a type of rose oil. The country makes over $1,000,000 each year from this industry. The oil is sold in small, gilded glass bottles at shops, especially those that sell Turkish goods.
The town of Shipka is particularly important for rose cultivation. Shipka is also historically significant because it was the site of the decisive battle during the Russo-Turkish War on July 7, 1877. Today, it is the center of rose gardens.
Memorials from the Russo-Turkish War
On the battlefield of Shipka, many memorials have been placed to remember the soldiers who fought in that battle. These include monuments, crosses, cannonballs, cannons, and pyramids, scattered across a large area. These memorials were built by survivors of different regiments to honor their officers and comrades who fought in the battle. Some of these memorials mark the graves of soldiers who showed bravery during the war Ephesus Sightseeing Tour.
In the center of the battlefield, there is an impressive obelisk that was built by Tsar Alexander II of Russia to commemorate the victory of General Gourko. The obelisk is decorated with an inscription and features a representation of the Russian coat of arms. The top of the monument has a spear and a cross, symbolizing Russia’s victory.
Rose Cultivation in Shipka
A Perfect Climate for Roses
The climate and soil around Shipka are ideal for growing roses. The fields are filled with luxurious roses, which are cultivated in the same way as grapevines. These rose fields cover thousands of acres and are carefully tended by local workers.
Harvesting and Producing Rose Oil
The roses are carefully pruned to make sure the plants focus their energy on producing flowers. From mid-June to October, women harvest the roses daily. They wear bags over their shoulders to collect the flowers, which they take home at night.
At home, the flowers are carefully stripped of their petals and placed into special kettles. The petals are then steamed to extract the rose oil.
Each year, thousands of tons of rose petals are collected, and the oil produced is very valuable. At the distillery, rose oil can sell for $50 to $75 per pound. Just one drop of this oil is enough to perfume a two-ounce bottle of alcohol.
Most of the rose oil is exported to Paris and Vienna, while the remaining amount is sent to Constantinople.
