The Allure Of Turkish Cologne: A Fragrant Cultural Icon

Turkish cologne, or 'Kolonya', is a fragrant, ethyl alcohol-based liquid with a refreshing and crisp citrus scent. Typically containing 60-80% alcohol, Turkish cologne is used as a refreshing perfume for both men and women, as well as a hand sanitiser and aftershave. Turkish cologne is a staple in Turkish culture, often served to guests and used in barbershops. The most common aromas are lemon, tobacco, rose, orange and jasmine.

Turkish Cologne's history

Turkish cologne, or 'kolonya' in the local vernacular, has a long history dating back to the Ottoman Empire. It is a staple in Turkish households and is often offered to guests as a gesture of hospitality.

The origins of Turkish cologne can be traced back to the 19th century when it was first introduced to Istanbul, the capital of the Ottoman Empire. At the time, rose water was commonly offered to guests to clean their hands or served alongside Turkish coffee and delights. However, when cologne arrived in Istanbul, it quickly became popular due to its pleasant scent and refreshing effect, soon displacing rose water.

The first Turkish cologne was produced by Ahmet Faruki in 1882, during the reign of Sultan Abdulhamid II between 1876 and 1909. Faruki's cologne became an indispensable product in Turkish hospitality and personal care. The domestic production of cologne in Turkey began shortly after its importation, with Turkish perfumers adding their own unique ingredients and modifications.

Over time, Turkish kolonya evolved to differ from the traditional Eau de Cologne. Unlike Eau de Cologne, kolonya typically features a single aroma, with the most common scents being lemon, tobacco, rose, orange, jasmine, and bergamot. The high alcohol content in kolonya, ranging from 60% to 80%, also sets it apart and contributes to its effectiveness as an antiseptic and disinfectant.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Turkish kolonya experienced a surge in demand due to its high alcohol content, which is known to destroy germs and viruses. The Turkish government had to step in to ensure that local needs were met as the export rate of this product increased significantly.

Today, kolonya remains an integral part of Turkish culture and is widely used in homes, shops, offices, and even cabs. It is offered to guests during visits, bus excursions, and family gatherings, showcasing the warmth and generosity of Turkish hospitality.

Ingredients and recipe

Turkish cologne, or 'Kolonya', is made with ethyl alcohol (60-80%), water, and fragrance. Unlike Eau De Cologne, Kolonya usually has just one fragrance oil. The most common aromas include lemon, tobacco, rose, orange, and jasmine.

Mix 200ml of pure water with 800ml of ethyl alcohol in a container. Shake the container. Add drops of aromatic oil—the more oil you add, the stronger the fragrance will be. Close the container so the alcohol and fragrance won't evaporate, and leave it to rest for 8 hours for the best results.

• Lemon: This is Turkey's most popular type of cologne. It contains lemon essence, water, and alcohol. It is commonly used in homes, barbershops, and restaurants.
• Tobacco: A less conventional fragrance, but one that is still widely used.
• Rose: Rose water has been a prominent part of Turkish culture for centuries. It was traditionally offered to guests to clean their hands, or served with Turkish coffee and Turkish delight.
• Orange: Another citrus-based fragrance, reflecting the richness of the Turkish climate and culture.
• Jasmine: A sweet-scented aroma, often described as Turkey's national scent.
• Juniper: This is a popular fragrance produced by Selin, a Turkish pharmaceutical company.
• Lavender: This fragrance is a natural insect repellent and is the most effective fragrance to use as a mosquito repellent.
• Fig: A popular fragrance in the winter, reminding users of summer.

How to use it

Turkish cologne, or Kolonya, is a traditional and refreshing fragrance with a high alcohol content. It is typically served to guests and used as a hand sanitiser, refresher, and mosquito repellent. Here are some ways to use Turkish cologne:

Serving Guests

It is customary in Turkish culture to serve Turkish cologne to guests. Whether you're hosting a gathering, having guests over for dinner, or even riding a bus, offering Turkish cologne is a common practice. It is seen as a way to show hospitality and provide a refreshing experience for your guests.

Personal Fragrance

Turkish cologne is often used as a personal fragrance for both men and women. Its refreshing and crisp citrus scent makes it a popular choice for those who want to feel clean and cool throughout the day. You can apply it to your pulse points, such as wrists, neck, and behind the ears, just like you would with any other perfume or cologne.

Hand Sanitiser

Due to its high alcohol content, typically between 60% and 80%, Turkish cologne is an effective hand sanitiser. You can use it to sanitise your hands when soap and water are not available, or even as an aftershave to disinfect and soothe irritated skin.

Mosquito Repellent

Certain scents of Turkish cologne, such as lavender and lavanta, are known to be effective mosquito repellents. Apply it to your skin, especially exposed areas, to help keep mosquitoes at bay during the summer months.

Hair Freshener

While there are no specific instructions on using Turkish cologne for hair, some people have reported using it safely on their hair to add a refreshing scent. However, it is always recommended to do a patch test before applying any new product to your hair or skin.

Remember, Turkish cologne is for external use only and should not be ingested. Keep it in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, and enjoy its refreshing and aromatic benefits!

Where to buy it

Turkish Cologne, or Kolonya, is a staple in Turkish culture and can be found in every home and office. It is customary to offer Turkish Kolonya to guests, and it is also used as a hand sanitiser, refresher, mosquito repellent, and more.

Stamboulbazaar

Stamboulbazaar is an online Turkish shopping centre that offers a wide range of Turkish products, including Kolonya. They have a variety of scents available, such as lemon, amber, Ayvalık olive blossom, baby blue, baby pink, Bodrum mandarin, gardenia flower, and Japanese cherry flower. Stamboulbazaar ships worldwide and uses a special packaging technique to ensure that products arrive safely. They have received positive reviews for their fast delivery and excellent customer service.

GrandbazaarIst

GrandbazaarIst is an online store based in Istanbul that offers a variety of Turkish products, including Kolonya. They have a range of fragrances available, such as amber, tobacco, lavender, and Bodrum mandarin. GrandbazaarIst prioritises product freshness and uses special packaging techniques to ensure safe delivery worldwide. They have received positive reviews for their product quality and fast shipping.

TurkishStore.com.au

TurkishStore.com.au is Australia's #1 online Turkish supermarket and cultural gift shop. They offer a range of Turkish products, including Kolonya with 80% alcohol content. The website also offers Islamic gifts and decor, tea sets, and bathroom and personal care products.

Visit Local Turkey

Visit Local Turkey is a blog written by a Turkish lawyer, Efe Genit, who shares his experiences and insights about Turkey. In one of the blog posts, Efe mentions the best brands of Turkish Kolonya, which include Duru, Selin, Rebul, and Eyüp Sabri Tuncer. These brands are popular and known for their quality. Duru's Lemon Flower and Selin's Juniper are commonly used scents in offices.

Popular brands

Turkish Cologne, also known as Kolonya, is an essential part of Turkish culture. It is customary to offer Turkish Kolonya to guests, and it is also used as a hand sanitiser, refresher, and mosquito repellent. The first Turkish cologne was produced by Ahmet Faruki in 1882, and since then, it has become an integral part of Turkish culture, with people using it in their daily lives.

Duru

Duru is one of the most well-known Turkish cologne brands, famous for its lemon-scented cologne. It is the most popular Kolonya in Turkey and can be found in many homes and offices. Duru's lemon flower cologne is a refreshing scent that both men and women can use.

Selin

Selin has been produced by the Turkish pharmaceutical company Eczacıbaşı since 1912. Their Juniper Blue Spruce fragrance is a favourite among many. Selin's colognes are known for their unique and captivating scents, which is why many pharmacies in Turkey stock this brand.

Rebul

Rebul is a company that was established in 1895 and is known for its commitment to Turkish traditions and fragrances. Their brand, Atelier Rebul, offers stylish bottles with rare scents such as lemongrass and honey, amber, jasmine, rose, magnolia, fig, lavender, verbena, and ginger.

Eyüp Sabri Tuncer

Eyüp Sabri Tuncer is a well-known Turkish Kolonya producer since the 1920s. This long-standing brand offers a wide range of fragrances, including amber, Ayvalık olive blossom, baby blue, baby pink, Bodrum mandarin, gardenia flower, and Japanese cherry flower.

Pereja

Pereja Turkish Lemon Cologne is another popular brand with an 80% alcohol content. It is known for its effectiveness as a hand sanitiser and its refreshing citrus scent.

These brands offer a variety of fragrances that reflect the richness of Turkish culture and climate, making them excellent choices for those looking to experience the delights of Turkish Kolonya.

Frequently asked questions