Tulips at Emirgan Park in Istanbul, Türkiye

© Ozbalci/Getty Image

Tulips at Emirgan Park in Istanbul, Türkiye

There's something to be said about the allure of a bed of colourful tulips. Originating from Central Asia, these bulbous plants are beloved worldwide, from the gardens of Mount Vernon to the bustling streets of Istanbul, Türkiye. But tulips are more than just decorative flowers; they are culturally significant, too. They represent love, life, beauty and passion in various traditions. Tulips are often depicted in art as a symbol of rebirth or youth.

Emirgan Park in Istanbul celebrates tulips in all their glory. The park boasts a dazzling variety of these flowers that paint the landscape with a kaleidoscope of colours every spring. It is also home to more than 120 species of rare plants and trees, with gorgeous views of the Bosporus strait. If you haven't been yet, spring is an excellent time for a trip to the Middle East country.