Land of roses: Turkey's rose harvest steams ahead despite pandemic

Isparta, known as the "land of roses," produces 60% of the world's rose harvest and exports products all over the world.

A woman picks roses during the start of the annual rose harvest at the Gulsha Cosmetics production facility in Isparta, Turkey, June 1, 2021.

Rose oil, said to have anti-aging effects, has seen a large increase in demand from global luxury brands primarily in France and China.

In this aerial view, women pick roses during the start of the annual rose harvest at the Gulsha Cosmetics production facility on June 1, 2021.

The harvest lasts a month and occurs every year between May and June.

A woman picks roses during the start of the annual rose harvest.

In the past two years, the coronavirus and extreme drought conditions in Turkey have hurt the annual harvest, with production down approximately 30%.

Although the coronavirus affected local shops and tourist numbers, many producers of rose-related products saw an increase in online sales during the pandemic.

Roses are seen in a field prior to harvesting.

Women are seen picking roses during the harvest in Isparta.

A rose about to fully bloom in Isparta.

A woman picks roses during the start of the annual rose harvest.

Bags of roses are seen after being delivered to the Gulsha Cosmetics production facility.

In this aerial view, a woman picks roses during the start of the annual rose harvest.

Women harvest the flowers, Isparta, Turkey, June 1, 2021.

Employees load roses into a distiller after the harvest at the Gulsha Cosmetics production facility.

An employee tips out roses to dry.

An employee spreads the roses out to help them dry.

An employee cuts open bags of roses delivered during the start of the annual rose harvest.

Employees unload bags of roses delivered to the cosmetics factory.

An employee loads roses into a distiller in the factory.

Some roses spill out of a bag in the factory.

Roses are seen drying after the harvest.