Published in Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports (Volume 70, April 2026, Article 105589), a newly published interdisciplinary study offers the first direct chemical evidence that formulations described in Greco-Roman medical texts—including treatments combining human-derived substances with aromatic ingredients—were not merely theoretical, but actively prepared and stored in Roman vessels.

Just a few days ago, in an atmosphere steeped in the scent of time itself, we brought the ancient wisdom of Ottoman beauty rituals into the enduring magic of Istanbul’s iconic Spice Bazaar. What began as a heritage-inspired experience soon evolved into an extraordinary gathering — a private masterclass hosted for the global C-level executives of a leading international cosmetics brand.

This year’s International Symposium on Essential Oils (ISEO 2025) hosted a uniquely stimulating session. Dr. Rana Babaç Çelebi's keynote lecture, titled “Alchemy of Scent”, took the audience on a compelling journey through the evolving relationship between scent and humanity, spanning from antiquity to the present day. In a second session Dr. Çelebi introduced participants to the world of Ottoman perfumery through an experiential presentation.

Not long ago, I came across a story that both thrilled and unsettled me: Osmo, a scent technology company, is developing what they call “Scent Teleportation” — a process designed to capture a smell in one part of the world and release it in another.