News » 14.05.2026 - Harvest season begins for Halfeti’s rare ‘black rose’ unique to Türkiye

The harvest has started for the geographically registered "karagul," or black rose. It is a rare endemic plant grown exclusively in the Halfeti district of southeastern Türkiye. Its distinctive color and fragrance are shaped by the region's unique environmental conditions.

Recognized as a "slow city" by the Cittaslow International Coordination Committee in 2013, Halfeti has drawn attention not only for its historic stone houses and landscapes but also for hosting one of the world's most unusual flowers. The karagul stands out as an endemic species, meaning it naturally grows only in a specific geographic area.

According to local officials, this rose develops its signature dark tone and scent from the soil and microclimate of the Euphrates basin. Even a short distance away, the same plant fails to produce identical results.

Authorities emphasized that the best time to experience the flower in full bloom runs from May to June, when visitors can see, touch and smell it in its natural environment. Production of the black rose has narrowed over time, particularly after rising water levels from the Birecik Dam reduced available agricultural land.
 

Source: www.floraldaily.com

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