Registered Geographically Indicated Gümüşhane Rosehip Nectar, Marmalade and Traditional Bazaar Route

History and General Information / Local Legends and Folklore Gümüşhane is a unique geography that naturally hosts 17 of the 27 wild rosehip species growing in Türkiye and is considered the 'Gene Center and Capital of Rosehip' in the literature. Wild rosehip fruits (Rosa canina), which ripen in steep valleys at high altitude and on mountain slopes where harsh continental climate meets abundant sunny days, have been registered as a geographical indication under the name 'Gümüşhane Rosehip Nectar' by the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office. According to the centuries-old legend told among the local people, when the caravans passing through the Silk Road during the winter months fell ill and weakened in the freezing Zigana cold, the mountain dervishes of Gümüşhane would make the travelers drink the red wild rose hip sherbet they boiled and say, 'The thorns of these mountains will make your hand bleed, but the sherbet will revive your life'; As a matter of fact, rosehip's high vitamin C and antioxidant power have become the city's greatest healing symbol. The historical bazaar in the city center is a rich corridor of flavors with pure rosehip marmalades, nectars, rosehip teas and local fruit pulp-köme shops boiled in traditional copper cauldrons. Geographical Structure, Altitude and Natural Features It is located in the city center of Gümüşhane, in the Harşit Stream valley, at an average altitude of 1,150 - 1,250 meters. Thanks to the surrounding steep volcanic mountains, low humidity and abundant sunlight, wild rosehip bushes reach the highest concentration of phenolic substances and natural vitamins. Rosehips collected collaboratively in mountain villages in September and October are processed in traditional facilities in the city. Visiting Hours, Days and Entrance Fees