Milikouri's historic Damask rose cultivation leaves lasting legacy despite decline
The mountain village of Milikouri in Cyprus was once renowned for cultivating the Damask rose, producing valuable rose essence and oil that supported local families and attracted international attention. This tradition began gaining prominence around 1917, with the establishment of modern distilleries in 1919 and 1930, and the expansion of cultivation in the 1940s after additional land was granted.
The rose industry peaked in the mid-20th century, supported by the Rose Growers Cooperative Society founded in 1963, which helped sustain production and provided employment. However, the tradition eventually faded, and rose cultivation ceased as the village's population dwindled.
Today, only wild Damask rose bushes remain in Milikouri, serving as a poignant reminder of the village's once-thriving rose industry. Researcher Anna Tselepou emphasizes that this story symbolizes not only a lost agricultural practice but also the economic and cultural heritage that shaped the community.
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