In the eyes of many, tulip  is associated with the Netherlands, and for a good reason. However, it has always been a prevalent motif  used in many art forms, whether be tiles, or jewellery or textile since  the Ottoman period. Once upon a time, it was even the symbol of a decadent period  in the 18th century.

Every year in April, tulip bulbs are planted extravagantly in the parks all over the city for the most lavish display you could ever see. You would presume we still grow tulips, right? No! We no longer grow tulips, our so-called traditional symbol, but we import it from the Dutch. It is a shame  that we purchase them from a country, to which Ottomans  introduced tulips centuries ago.

 

 

Tags:  Emirgan Emirgan park flora ottoman heritage parks spring symbol The Dutch tulip tulip period