Alembic.. Ancient Art for Distilling Roses in Arabia Peninsular
The ‘Alembic’… a device brought by caravans of fathers and ancestors by land and sea, and passed down to extract ‘fragrance’ from the roses of Taif.
Caravans carried loads on camel backs, paving the way for early trade routes, bearing witness to the ancient human relationship with commerce and its benefits.
Ancient Craft
The mountains of Taif, introduced a new device, known as the ‘Alembic’, specialized in the art of distilling roses – one of the ancient crafts mastered by ancestors in the Arabian Peninsula. Additionally, the descendants preserved its splendor and authenticity across various regions of the Kingdom, particularly in the Taif province.
It also brought a different allure to Taif’s rose production, distinguishing it from other industries.
Taif province, Alembic device
The trades of our forefathers in Taif province taught the techniques of the Alembic device – ‘distillation’ for extracting rose oil and water. These were used in various applications including perfuming the Kaaba, the Prophet’s Mosque, food, body, and more.
Historical Significance
It’s no wonder that civilizations tried to link their history to this chemical emblem.
Dr. Al-Ghamdi noted that the earliest complex chemical operations using distillation, such as extracting mercury from cinnabar powder, were not with an Arab earthenware Alembic but a Chinese copper one.
Moreover, China’s knowledge of distillation dates back to at least the second dynasty, predating the appearance of the Koofi Alembic by eight centuries.
This also shows that it wasn’t just ancient China that rivaled Jabir ibn Hayyan in the invention of distillation.
Additionally, It extended to modern times, notably with the American Chemical Society. The fragrance of distillation in the chemistry of Taif rose acknowledges the impact of the Alembic device on chemists.
Global Influence
The Alembic plays a pivotal role in securing the epithet ‘City of Roses’ for Taif, extracting fragrances and flower essence. The device consists of a distillation vessel and a glass or copper container for the materials like Taif roses.
Moreover, heating water in the vessel causes the organic materials to vaporize, with the saturated vapor of aromatic scents reaching the second part of the distillation apparatus.
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