Kashmir’s centuries-old art of rosewater making
Shahana Butt
Press TV, Kashmir
In the downtown area of Kashmir's capital city Srinagar lies the centuries of traditions and legacy that came to Kashmir via silk route from central Asia. This part of the main city Srinagar remains untouched by modernization.
Set up on the banks of river Jehlum, the downtown Srinagar is home to many scholars who came to Kashmir along with their disciples to preach Islam.
Some seven centuries ago, Mir Syed Ali Hamadani came from Iran along with scores of artisans, preachers, scent makers and traditional healers. These men settled around the banks of river Jehum and taught their specialties to the locals. And to date, these teachings are the source of survival for tens of thousands of people in Srinagar.
Let's meet probably the last scent maker of Kashmir, Azizullah Kozgar. Few steps away from the shrine of Shah-e -Hamdan or Mir Syed Ali Hamadani, this is an "Arq-e-Gulab Dukan" or Rosewater shop. It is a major attraction for tourists and the younger generation.
The 65-year-old Kozgar’s shop is filled with centuries-old jars, some empty and a few partly filled. Kozgar is the last remaining rosewater maker. This shop carries 400 years of Kashmir's legacy.
The Kozgar family has been in the trade of distilling rosewater for four centuries. And the entire process is done manually. His customers, however, cannot do without his handmade fragrances and herbal syrups.
Kozgar's rosewater is made specifically from Kashmiri roses and has been used for centuries to perfume shrines and mosques, since it is believed to be extracted in the best of its form.
Aziz-Ullah Kozgar acquired this skill from his forefathers, who had traveled here from Turkey some 500 years ago. He says they kept the secret method rolling from one generation to another, but he fears whether his son would take it or not. And wishes that someone comes forward and takes the legacy ahead.
Kozgar says the political uncertainty, lockdowns and lack of people's interest in pure rose water have resulted in falling demand and these reasons might sooner or later force the closure of his centuries-old business in Srinagar.
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