Updated Date : 11.04.2022
Tulips in Istanbul
In April, Istanbul hosts its annual Tulip Festival. The Turkish tulips bloom towards the end of March or the beginning of April, depending on the weather. The blooms will please the sight and the spirit for nearly a month as they bloom for several weeks.
This is unsurprising given that, contrary to common perception, tulips were first grown in Turkey. Many Turkish tulips have been planted in Istanbul´s parks, openings, traffic circles, and other open areas. So, if you happen to be in Istanbul at this time of year, consider yourself lucky.
Tulips originated in the Asian steppes, where they flourished wild. However, tulips, or lale (from the Persia word lahle), were first commercially cultivated in the Ottoman Empire. So, why are tulips associated with Holland nowadays? The dissemination of tulip bulbs in the last years of the sixteenth century was primarily due to Charles de L´Ecluse, the author of the first important treatise on tulips (1592). He was a professor at the University of Leiden (Holland), where he created both a teaching and a private garden, from which hundreds of bulbs were stolen between 1596 and 1598.
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Spring in Istanbul
Istanbul is a beautiful city to wander about during the springtime. The splendor of this warm, dynamic metropolis, as well as the distinct and perse Turkish culture, astonishes visitors. If you´re visiting Istanbul in the Spring, take a stroll around the streets and relax in one of the city´s parks or gardens. Gulhane´s peaceful ambiance and the vibrant Emirgan Park will allow you to unwind, relax, and enjoy your stay.
Istanbul provides the perfect weather for a trip in the Spring. Because of the sub-tropical environment, the air temperature is quite pleasant throughout this season. Of course, the weather isn´t always ideal, with scorching heat throughout the day that may shift into heavy rain at any moment, and then it´s back to being burning hot. On the other hand, spring days are likely to provide you pleasant and comfortable weather, and even if there is rain, all indications of it will vanish within an hour or two once the sun rises.
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Istanbul Tulip Festival
Almost everyone is aware of the Istanbul Tulip Festival. Hundreds of thousands of people watch this massive spectacle, which takes place during Spring.
Every year, during the balmy days of April, Istanbul hosts a flower congress. Millions of fragrant, gorgeous tulips adorn the streets, gardens, and parks. The tulip has long been regarded as a national emblem, not only of Istanbul but of Turkey as a whole. This was an essential element of Ottoman culture, and Istanbul has since become the springtime capital of all flowers.
Across a million tulips are planted all over Istanbul before the event kicks off with the tagline "The most beautiful tulips in Istanbul." Tulip buds are produced mainly for this occasion in the town of Konya. In 2016, the number of tulips planted hit a new high of 30 million. Tulips are planted in a certain order, with rows following one another, beginning with the earliest varieties and later. Istanbul blooms for the entire month as a result of this! In the parks, you may find Gulhane and Emirgan, every color of the rainbow.
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Emirgan Tulip Festival in Istanbul
The Istanbul Tulip Festival is held in this vast park, which overlooks the Bosphorus and offers beautiful long-range views. Traditional crafts, including paper marbling, calligraphy, glass making, and painting, are demonstrated in the Emirgan tulip festival in Istanbul. Outside, on pop-up stages, musical acts are strewn around.
You can find the magnificent spring blooms all around Istanbul during the month of April. First, however, you must visit Emirgan Park for an authentic tulip experience and the International Istanbul Tulip Festival. It has numerous tulip gardens and is one of Istanbul´s largest public parks. Emirgan Park lies near the Bosphorus in Sariyer, just before the second Bosphorus Bridge.
Emirgan Park is equally as beautiful and tidy as Gulhane, and it´s ideal for hikes and picnics. There´s a pond, a waterfall, and three ancient mansions: Sar Kosk, Beyaz Kosk, and Pembe Kosk. With a fresh cup of coffee, you may enjoy looking at the lush vegetation and mansions from one of the local cafes.
Emirgan Park is accessible via two major routes:
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To get to Kabatas, take the T1 tram line from Sultanahmet. Then, after a three-minute walk to the bus station, board the 25E bus and leave at Emirgan station.
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From Taksim Square, buses 40T and 42T go directly to Emirgan.
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Istanbul Things to Do
You do not need to join a group if you wish to see Istanbul´s attractions. With the help of a guide, you may easily put together your path. Include a stop at a Turkish restaurant, preferably with a view of the Bosphorus and Istanbul, on your itinerary. Hamdi near the Egyptian Market and Divan Brasserie Cafe on Istiklal is the nearest eateries to Sultanahmet. In addition, one of the town's observation decks is well worth a visit.
When strolling through Istanbul, keep an eye out for durum, balik ekmek, kumpir, waffles, roasted walnuts, stuffed mussels, and fresh juices. Remember to take a rest after a long day filled with intense emotions, such as at one of Istanbul´s old hamams.
Get a chance to explore Istanbul´s top attractions free of cost with an Istanbul E-pass.
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The Final Word
The tulip festival is one of Istanbul´s most popular spring events, which is why you should witness the beauty for yourself in Emirgan Park. Going to Istanbul in the Spring is a no-brainer if you can´t determine which season is best. After the winter hibernation, city squares and gardens bloom, and parks are green, fresh, and lovely.