Return of the Istanbul Tulip

The cultivation of tulips started in the 16th century Ottoman gardens. Already at that time tulip bulbs were used as gifts to maintain diplomatic relations. Through these channels the first tulips arrived in Europe and the Netherlands at the end of the 16th Century. One particular type of tulip continued to evolve and was specifically cultivated until the beginning of the 18th century: a tall, thin almond shaped tulip flower with petals pointed like daggers. This tulip which came in different color patterns, was extensively described and commonly referred to as the ‘Istanbul Tulip’.

You may find the brochure with the story of the Return of the Istanbul Tulip here (in English)