3rd International Istanbul Tulip Festival, organized by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality is held on April 5-13, 2008. The city plantedmore than 8.5 millon tulips around.

Here are the activities of this year’s festival:

The photos of the awarded tulips of "The Most Beautiful 100 Tulips" competition which was held during last year’s festival are on display at Taksim Square. Souvenir stands at the Square will sell objects related to tulip festival concept.

Taksim Square, Emirgan Park – Sarı (Yellow) and Beyaz (White) Kiosks, Ortaköy and Sultanahmet Squares, Bagdat Street and Göztepe Park host concerts of different performers everyday between 11:00 and 19:30.

"Lale Yansimalari Sergisi" (The Reflections of Tulip Exhibition) takes place at Topkapi Palace, Second Courts.

Emirgan Grove White Kiosk hosts "Laleler Heykel ve Tasarim Sergisi" (Tulips Sculpture and Design Exhibition) beginning from April 13th.

Famous Turkish painter Ismail Acar displays his works titled "Laleler" (Tulips) at Yildiz Palace Büyük Mabeyn. The exhibit opens on Sunday, April 13th.

The award ceremony of "The Most Beautiful 100 Tulips" competion takes place at Emirgan Grove on Saturday, May 10, 2008.

For Deli Kizin and Chantal:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h0ZoJpWwi4E

Mantovani:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wX0mb9VqBe8

Tulips have always been my favorite flower. I wish I was there for the festival.

Thank you so much Roswitha for the links. Beautiful pictures and accompanied by such wonderful music!!!

It is greatly appreciated

You welcome, I hope you feel better these days!

Thank you, I do feel better. Thank God it didn't last long.

Istanbul must have a very nice sight these days,

so colourful !

What a nice !

Oh,Chantal, this song was and still is very popular too in Germany. "Tulpen aus Amsterdam".
Have a look:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gg_eXqUqI8w&feature

This song was quite popular in the UK too years ago. An English singer/comedian called Max Bygraves got into the Top Ten with his recording of it.

so strange to think Turkey gave tulips to Amsterdam

Tulips originated in Turkey getting their name from the Turkish word "tulbend" which means turban. Tulips were thought to look like the turbans. (Hats that were worn in Turkey at that time.) I have always mistakenly associated the origin of Tulips with Holland. Tulips were introduced to Holland from Persia.

http://www.allaboutturkey.com/tulip.htm

I had no idea that tulips originated in Turkey. I thought they came from Holland.

Well there you go teacup you learn something new everyday

It is not just tulip/tülbent/turban connection with Islam.

Tulip also has a spiritual meaning as the Turkish word lale has the same consonants as the name of Allah. When written in Arabic script they are similar.

Some suspect this is why the current government supports the tulips being planted everywhere.

I must admit, I don't worry about the cosmic politics and enjoy being cheered up by the lovely roadside flowers when I am stuck in traffic!!

Maybe I'll plant some tulips near my pond. Then I'll be reminded of Turkey, how nice.

lâle Iznik Tile


http://www.e-turchia.com/Calendario_2004.htm

Iznik Tiles are admired worldwide for the following reasons:

* Iznik Tiles are made on a very clean white base with hard backs and underglazed decorations in a unique technique.
* 70-80 percent of an Iznik tile is composed of quartz and quartzite. Its beauty arises from the harmonious composition of three successive quartz layers and a paste-slip-glaze combination which is extremely difficult to bring together. The mixture of quartz, clay and glaze disperses in a very wide thermic spectrum at 900 centigrade. After painstaking research, the problem of the fluctuating thermal behavior of the tiles due to their quartz and rock crystal composition is solved. The result is a tile made primarily out of a semi-precious stone: quartz.
* Even though it may appear to be against the principle of "ceramic textural unity", the porous structure of the tiles cause dilatation or shrinkage in hot, cold or freezing conditions. It is said that this particular aspect of the structure "allows it to breathe".
* In Iznik tiles, one can observe colors resembling those of semi-precious stones such as the dark blue of lapis lazuli, the blue of turquoise, the redness of coral, the green of emerald.
* Some of the colors observed on the tiles and utensils, particularly the coral red, are very hard to obtain and apply. To obtain all of these colors, the cornea white and opaque sheen glazes are required. The slightly opaque quality of the glaze on the tiles absorbs light and reduces strain on the eyes. It not only protects the tile but also help it breathe.
* The figures on the tiles and utensils reflect allegorical and symbolic characteristics and the flora and fauna of the region. The geometrical designs can be interpreted almost cosmologically as a general description or depiction of the world or the Universe. They blend beautifully with the surrounding architectural constructions in which they are found, and are never overpowering or overstated, but always tend towards a timeless discretion and moderation.
* The Foundation researchers have been using the classical Iznik tile designs on the productions, reviving the mystery of the creation of the Iznik tile. Throughout the production processes, the main objective is to master the traditional technological methods rather than embrace those of our own day. In order to preserve the authenticity of the Iznik tiles, the Iznik Foundation utilizes raw materials that are akin to those of the 16th century.
Pictures of Iznik Tiles
http://www.squidoo.com/iznik