Marmara by Dana, launched in 1975, draws its name from the Sea of Marmara, a body of water that lies between the European and Asian parts of Turkey, connecting the Black Sea to the Aegean Sea. The name "Marmara" itself is derived from the ancient Greek word marmaros, meaning "marble," referencing the marble quarries that once dotted the shores of the sea. Pronounced "MAR-mah-rah," the name evokes images of both the fluid, ever-changing waters of the sea and the solid, timeless beauty of marble. To call a fragrance Marmara is to suggest something both fluid and enduring, a sense of calm elegance mixed with the force of nature itself. The choice of this name evokes the tranquility of the sea, with its shimmering waters and gentle waves, while also hinting at the ancient, timeless qualities of marble.
The name Marmara conjures up vivid, picturesque images: a serene seaside landscape bathed in soft sunlight, the smooth marble surface of classical architecture glinting in the light, and the cool, invigorating breeze that carries the scent of fresh ocean air. It speaks of calmness and beauty, balanced by strength and endurance. Women of the mid-1970s, an era marked by an emerging sense of liberation and exploration, may have found themselves drawn to a fragrance that embodied both elegance and resilience. The decade was defined by a range of fashion and cultural shifts—bold styles in both fashion and design, a sense of freedom in women's personal expression, and a growing interest in nature and the environment. The era was also known for its wide range of fragrance offerings, from heavy, warm orientals to fresh, green florals that mirrored the growing interest in nature-based products.