One million seedlings planted: 12th International Tulip Festival begins in Istanbul

The traditional 12th International Tulip Festival has begun in Istanbul, this year held under the motto “It’s time for tulips”. Every year, the city authorities of Istanbul plant millions of tulip bulbs, which bloom in almost all colors, turning the city on the Bosphorus into a magical, colorful carpet. Hundreds of tulip varieties will be presented in the most famous parks across Istanbul, according to the Office of the Advisor for Culture and Tourism of the Embassy of the Republic of Turkey in BiH.

During the Festival, in addition to enjoying the beautiful flowers and colors of tulips that are currently blooming in Istanbul, visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy various Festival activities. Local music groups will organize concerts for visitors to Istanbul. There will also be several art and photography exhibitions with tulip motifs, as well as an exhibition of calligraphy works by renowned calligraphers.

As part of the 12th International Tulip Festival, various sports activities, women's tennis tournaments, beach soccer, and volleyball are planned. Topiary will be created at the locations of Istanbul parks, and visitors will be able to buy various types of tulips in all colors.

For the third year in a row, from April 21 to 30, 2017, visitors will have the opportunity to see a colorful carpet made of 564,000 tulips covering an area of 1,731 square meters at Sultanahmet Square.

Some of the locations where the activities of the 12th International Tulip Festival will be held are Emirgan Park, Sultanahmet Square, Kadıköy Park, Göztepe, 60.Yıl, etc.

The tulip flower has a significant role in Oriental history and tradition. The 18th century in the Ottoman Empire was called the “Tulip Period” (Lale Devri). It is associated with the time when Ottoman sultans and grand viziers were influenced by France and Europe, which is why the love for decorating gardens, especially with tulips, was more pronounced than in other periods of the Ottoman Empire.

Tulips most often grow from March/April to May/June and are therefore called spring flowers.

Last year, a “tulip carpet” was displayed in Istanbul over an area of 1,728 square meters.

The festival will last until the end of April. More information about the 12th International Tulip Festival can be found on the page: https://istanbulunlalesi.ibb.gov.tr/