The Living Scent Heritage of Kaz Mountains Recorded Using Headspace Technology

International fragrance producer MG International Fragrance Company has launched a pioneering project documenting the living scent heritage of nature through scientific methods. Under the company's main sponsorship and curated by Dr. Rana Babaç Çelebi, Medical and Perfume Historian, the Perfume Routes "Terroir: İda" Retreat captured the living scent heritage of Kaz Dağları at the molecular level using Headspace technology, applied in the field for the first time in Turkey.

Kaz Dağları, accepted in mythology as host to the world's first beauty pageant and synonymous with nature, healing and cultural memory since ancient times, hosted a special three-day program bringing together the art of perfume, medical history and gastronomy. Under the themes of "silent luxury" and "return to nature," the event treated perfume not merely as an aesthetic product, but as a powerful link established between nature, science and culture.

Kaz Dağları's scent memory documented through scientific methods
The program opened with a special welcome dinner addressing the concept of "terroir," which shapes the character of aromatic plants and foods. During a Kaz Dağları Incense Tasting held as part of the event, participants experienced the ritualistic use of scent in ancient periods.

The most striking part of the retreat was the live Headspace application conducted during the Forest Bathing (Shinrin-yoku) experience, which emphasizes integration with nature in the Japanese tradition.

Under the guidance of Aydın Alemdar, Senior Director of Naturals & Synthesis at MG International Fragrance Company, the study collected volatile compounds released by aromatic plants in their natural habitats in Kaz Dağları using specialized equipment. The samples were recorded for evaluation through GC-MS analysis, transforming the plants' natural scent profiles into scientific data along with environmental conditions.

Thus, for the first time in Turkey, a geography's living scent profile was documented at the molecular level, while an important reference study was conducted toward protecting natural scent heritage.

"An important study for the protection of natural scent heritage"
Aydın Alemdar, Senior Director of Naturals & Synthesis at MG International Fragrance Company, commented on the importance of Headspace technology:

"Thanks to Headspace technology, we can record at the molecular level the volatile compounds released by plants in their natural environments, together with the scent profile created by environmental conditions. This study we conducted in Kaz Dağları is not only one of the first field applications of this technology in Turkey, but also offers significant scientific value in terms of documenting natural scent heritage and passing it on to future generations."

To inspire the "Terroir: İda" perfume
As part of the program, a scent workshop led by Koray Sevinç, Perfumer at MG International Fragrance Company, also analyzed the endemic plants and characteristic aromatic notes of Kaz Dağları. The scientific data and olfactive observations obtained will serve as source material for the creation process of the future perfume to be developed under the name "Terroir: İda."

Koray Sevinç commented on the work as follows:
"Kaz Dağları is not merely a geography to me; it is the memory of my childhood written in scents. Analyzing the scents carried by pines, wild herbs, soil and wind, and bringing their essence together in a perfume was an indescribable experience. This study was, beyond professional achievement, a reflection of the respect I hold for my roots and my memory."