Gulestan

Gulestan is an Afghan company created in 2003 by French, Afghan and American partners, who all share a love of Afghanistan and perfumes. Named after the poetry of Saadi of Shiraz (14th century), Gulestan means “rose garden” in Farsi. Halfway between classical fine perfumery and the tradition of Indian attars, Gulestan’s natural perfumes are made exclusively of pure essential oils mixed with alcohol.

Established in Jalalabad, Gulestan has adapted its distillery to international standards of production. Each year, in the springtime, Gulestan distills roses, orange flowers, cedar wood and wild medicinal plants, carefully extracting their precious essential oils for aromatherapy and cosmetic lines.  

Gulestan’s team travels across Afghanistan to find the best scents from flowers and plants. Some of Gulestan’s essential oils can only be found in Afghanistan: wild chamomile from the deserts of Laghman, and oleaster flowers praised in Pashtun poetry.  

Wild plants are harvested in remote mountains and valleys, far away from any road or pollution. Gulestan is also working with rural communities to encourage traditional organic agriculture. 

Gulestan’s products are formulated from 100% natural products. They use only  vegetable oils, essential oils and floral waters, and beeswax. Each product is bottled and packaged by hand in Kabul in a family-owned workshop.

More information about the arts of Afghan perfume...