The 'last' shop for handmade rose water in Kashmir

A winter morning on the banks of the Jhelum river. Abdul Aziz Kozgar is sitting in the shop near the shore. He is surrounded by the fragrance of roses. He carries a legacy of 200 years on his shoulders. He is also known as Ark-e-Gulab or the 'last' rosewater maker of Kashmir.

His rose water shop in the Khanqah-e-Mowla neighborhood of Srinagar, the capital city of Kashmir, has some history. His shop is well stocked with antique bottles and jars from France and England. His store seems to have lost its present as much as its past.

Aziz Kozgar's family members have been making rose water for over 200 years. Their rose water is used as a skin and face perfume as well as used in various prayers.

"Our forefathers used to prepare rose water for religious ceremonies," said Aziz Kozgar, recalling the use of rose water in various temples in the Kashmir Valley. It had a spiritual purpose. He said, this traditional business of making rose water is not profitable. "The rose water available in the market is machine-made," said Aziz Kozgar, citing the competition. And ours is completely handmade. We prepare it in a special process.'

The Kozgar family has been following the process of making rosewater for years. But Kozgar's family kept it a secret for a long time using other methods. Aziz Kozgar said there are doubts whether his next generation will continue the business.