Spring Has Sprung in Istanbul

As the winter chill begins to fade away, the vibrant and bustling city of Istanbul is coming to life once again. Spring is a magical time of year in this ancient city, where the scent of blooming flowers fills the air and the city’s rich cultural heritage and breathtaking architecture are on full display. Istanbul is the perfect destination to welcome the arrival of spring with its colorful streets, bustling markets, tranquil parks, and gardens. Whether you’re exploring the city’s many historic landmarks or simply soaking up the sights and sounds of everyday life, Istanbul is a truly enchanting place to visit during the spring season.

I took the photos below in Bahçeköy: see how beautiful the beginning of the spring is with greengage blossoms!

Spring in Istanbul: Greengage blossoms in Bahçeköy
Spring has graced Istanbul with its blooming beauty, and the greengage trees are no exception. The delicate white and pink blossoms decorate the city with their charming presence, a reminder of the new beginnings that the season brings. I took this photo on March 26, 2023, in Bahçeköy.

A Giant Sequoia in Bahçeköy

There’s a Giant Sequoia in Bahçeköy. The plaque under the tree says: “This tree’s seed was brought from America by Niyazi Akı in 1950”. Niyazi Akı (1913, Bilecik – September 30, 1992, Bandırma) was a former governor of Istanbul.

Giant sequoias, or Sequoiadendron giganteum, are a type of tree that is native to the Sierra Nevada region of California in the United States. They are among the largest and longest-lived organisms on Earth, with some specimens living for over 3,000 years and growing to be over 300 feet (90 meters) tall.

So, this one is still a baby!

A Giant Sequoia in Bahcekoy, Istanbul
A rare sight in Istanbul: a giant sequoia tree stands tall and majestic. As of 2023, it is only 73 years old, and Giant Sequoias can live more than 3,000 years, so it’s still a baby! These trees are not typically found outside of their natural habitat in California, so it is certainly an interesting and unique occurrence.

Giant sequoias are part of the redwood family and are closely related to the coast redwoods that are also found in California. They are characterized by their massive size, thick reddish-brown bark, and rounded crowns of branches and needles.

One of the most famous giant sequoias is the General Sherman Tree, which is located in Sequoia National Park in California. It is estimated to be around 2,200 years old and is the largest tree in the world by volume, with a trunk that measures over 100 feet (30 meters) in circumference.

Despite their size and longevity, giant sequoias are not invulnerable to threats. They are susceptible to damage from fire, drought, and insects, and many of the oldest and largest specimens have been lost due to human activity such as logging and development. Conservation efforts are underway to protect the remaining stands of giant sequoias and their habitats.

A Giant Sequoia in Istanbul
A Giant Sequoia in Istanbul. The plaque under the tree says: “This tree’s seed was brought from America by Niyazi Akı in 1950”.

Sources

Özgür Nevres
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