Istanbul is Blooming - Flowers and Tulips

It's that time of the year again! Spring is definitely here and Istanbul is blooming with beautiful flowers, particularly the tulips (Lale). In fact, Istanbul had just concluded its 7th. Istanbul Tulip Festival which was started in April 1st and ended in April 30th.

For many of you readers out there who were not aware of this fact, tulips originated from Turkey and in the 17th. Century, one of the Ottoman's Sultans gave some to Netherlands, who in turn converted it into a multi-billion industry! But it does not mean that the Turks do not value their tulips. In fact, Sultan Ahmet III loved the tulips so much that his ruling period was popularly known as the "Tulip Era or Lale Devri, 1718-1730" where tulips were incorporated into many things. There's tulips motifs in their gown and garments, porcelains, tiles, carpets, textiles..almost everything. Tulips appear in many calligraphy designs as the Turks pointed out that the symbol of tulips actually spells out the word "Allah" in Arabic character (Jawi). And "Allah" means "God" to the Muslim, Christians and Jews. Everybody exclaimed "Allah, Allah " here when they were baffled, shocked or angry....so as to calm themselves. And this include the Muslim, Christians or Jewish Turks alike! READ MORE ABOUT TULIPS HERE  AND  HERE AND HERE

However, it was only recently that the Turks started its "love affair" with the tulips again. Hence, the birth of the Tulips Festival seven years ago. It seems that they just realised that when they showed their appreciation and love towards the tulips....luck, prosperity and everything wonderful befall Turkey. In bringing back the glory of tulips, they are hoping that the glory of Turkey will return. With the advent of the Arab Spring and other global events, I think they have some truth in that thinking. Turkey is now seen as a big brother and 'model' country to many troubled and emerging countries and some events globally are showing a positive growth and perception towards Turkey. Maybe the tulips did bring some "luck" to Turkey !!

And...as usual, me being human...we always take things for granted. Just as the Turks took their tulips for granted for centuries ago! When they were in full bloom, I forgot to take the photos and only when they were about to wilt, did I realised how beautiful they really are...or were. The tulips here are so big that they looked unreal, almost as if they were plastics. Believe me.. they are real and alive and beautiful. And they come in all the colors of the rainbow. Remember...black is also the color of a rainbow! So..here's wishing you  colorful days ahead of you....wherever you are !!

Since I believe that at times..or most times....a picture speaks a thousand words...so it shall, today. Just feast your eyes on these beautiful and colorful chichek (flowers) and don't forget to praise our Maker for such splendid blooms.....Thank you, God.

Along the Gulhane Tram station in The Old City

At The Sultan Ahmet area along the tram line

I think either the planter is color-blind or he loves 'diversity'....the colors are all mixed-up...
along Tarabya Main Road

Some people commented that they look unreal and plastic-like but they certainly are real and alive...

At the entrance to a Park, Tarabya

Pure white tulips...

Blue sensation at Topkapi Palace but...I don't know what it is...is it Begonia?

Little Aishah was thrilled to capture the beauty....who wouldn't?

Along Gulhane tramline at The Old City

Purplish-white tulips.....

Haghia Sophia amidst the flowers and Tulips....

These 2 girls requested me to take their fotos but I forgot to ask for their email to send to them,
so I hope they'll get to see it here

Near the Blue Mosque in The Old City

In front of the Blue Mosque

I was told that this is a Judas Tree. So called because Judas hanged himself from this tree after he betrayed Jesus Christ. Nonetheless, it still is a beautiful flaming purple or lilac bloom.
READ MORE ON JUDAS TREE HERE

The Judas tree, the harbinger of spring, belongs to İstanbul as to no other city in the world, and it has started to bloom, changing the color of İstanbul into a quintessential purple. Bosporus seems more beautiful with every spring.(PHOTO: AA, İBRAHİM YAKUT) 
Photo and caption borrowed from  http://www.turkeycentral.com/topic/14010-iconic-judas-tree-graces-bosporus-with-blossoms/ 

"Tree of Life" all along the Bosphorus. This what makes Bosphorus so spectacular in spring or summer. The "tree of life" symbol is commonly used in the design on carpets and other crafts.

"Tree of Life"

Beautiful lilac flowers to soothe your eyes while waiting in line to get into the Bassilica Cistern at The Old City

Tulips along The Bosphorus

Along The Bosphorus

 


Footnote :

Meet Meenah, my new friend for Spring! She'll come and perch on my window sill everyday. She would not fly away even when i opened the window to put some breads and water for her.

Hi Meenah !!