Among historical studies on the red rose, Iran is identified as the homeland of the rose. The spread of the rose in the ancient world, starting from the first half of the first millennium BCE, traversed regions such as Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey, ancient Phoenicia), Thrace/Ancient Thrace (parts of present-day European Turkey, parts of Bulgaria and Greece), Macedonia, Greece, and even Egypt. In another direction, it reached India and China. This study emphasizes cultural knowledge tools, the history of cultural knowledge, and both tangible and intangible cultural materials as the core of the discussion. Based on this, cultural indicators related to the issue of distillation, rosewater, and the rosewater vessels/ sprinkler, are presented as a new framework for understanding the cultural and historical history of ancient Iran, which has been less explored, particularly in relation to the broader concept of "Iranian Rosewater" through comparative studies and support from historical documents. This article, based on the cultural history approach—one of the anthropological research methods in archaeology—examines all cultural remains, architectural decorations, and historical documents to depict the culture of the rose (Muhammadi) and the practice of rosewater production as part of the artistic history, ancient ethnology, distillation techniques, and trade in ancient Iran. On the other hand, historical documents, especially those related to trade, will be presented, focusing on Iranian rosewater commerce. The main objective of this research is to provide a scientific and historical framework regarding the origins and use of rosewater production in ancient Iran, extending through to the Qajar period. This aims to enrich the cultural memory of specialists and the general public about the history of the rose and Iranian rosewater.

Keywords: Red rose (Muhammadi); Iranian rosewater; Artistic object and works; Pre- and post-Islamic periods; Cultural history.

Introduction

This article, based on the cultural history approach as a research method in cultural anthropology within archaeology, examines Iranian rose (Gol-e Sorkh) culture through two main aspects. On one hand, it explores the material culture related to the Persian rose, the history of distillation, and different types of rosewater containers across various periods of Iran, through museum objects and architectural decorations. On the other hand, it delves into historical documents about the trade of Iranian rosewater, presenting them as valuable sources. In this research, all cultural evidence and historical Texts will be used to depict the culture of the Persian rose, rosewater distillation, and its significance as part of the artistic history, ancient ethnology, and the history of distillation techniques and commerce in ancient Iran. Some of the examples of cultural artifacts will be found in public and private museums within Iran, others abroad, as well as architectural decorations in historical buildings such as mosques and schools. Finally, historical documents from merchants' bookkeeping offices, particularly from the Safavid period, will be presented to enhance our understanding of the rose and rosewater in ancient Iran, to clarify its historical and scientific significance for both specialists and the general public.

Research Method and Goal

This study emphasizes cultural knowledge methods, history of cultural knowledge, and tangible and intangible cultural materials as the central focus of the discussion. Based on this research, the cultural indicators related to distillation, rosewater, and rosewater containers will be examined as a new development in the historical culture of ancient Iran, distinct from neighboring cultures, through a comparative study of artifacts and supporting historical documents (Burke, 2024: 2-3; Eggert, 2010; Assmann). With this approach, the study explores the cultural bond between pre- and post-Islamic generations of Iranians through rosewater and related artifacts, museum collections, architectural decorations, and historical documents, as the core of Iran's historical memory. The primary goal of this research is to provide a scientific and historical framework regarding the origins and usage of rosewater from ancient Iran to the Qajar period, contributing to a clearer historical and cultural memory of Persian roses and rosewater.

Background of Persian Rose and Distillation in Ancient Iran