Gardens in Turkey: Urban Green Paradise

One of the largest public parks in Istanbul, Emirgan Park is renowned for its vast collection of tulips, especially during the Istanbul Tulip Festival held every April. The park features three historic pavilions, lakes, and beautifully landscaped gardens, making it a favorite spot for locals and tourists alike.

Situated between Beşiktaş and Ortaköy, Yıldız Park is part of the Yıldız Palace complex. This historic park offers lush greenery, scenic walking paths, ornamental lakes, and two beautiful pavilions, the Malta and Çadır Pavilions. It’s an oasis of calm in the heart of Istanbul.

Located in the Bahçeköy area, Atatürk Arboretum is a living tree museum featuring over 2,000 plant species. It offers a peaceful environment for nature lovers to explore diverse flora, from native Turkish plants to exotic species from around the world. It is accessible by car from central Istanbul.

Nezahat Gokyigit Botanical Garden in the Ataşehir district od Istanbul is dedicated to preserving plant biodiversity and promoting environmental education. The garden is divided into several thematic sections, including Turkish flora, Mediterranean plants, and medicinal plants.

Gulhane Park is one of the biggest and most beautiful parks in Istanbul, popular among locals for picnics and recreation. It's especially known for its tulips and attracts many during the Istanbul Tulip Festival. It features centuries-old walnut and oak trees, meticulously maintained flower beds, and stunning views of the Bosphorus, Sea of Marmara, and Princes' Islands.

Established by Turkish horticulturist Hayrettin Karaca, this arboretum features a vast collection of trees, shrubs, and flowers from around the world. It’s a significant center for plant research and conservation in Turkey. It offers opportunities for walking tours, plant research, and photography.

These beautiful gardens in the Seferihisar district are known for their stunning fields of lavender. The best time to visit is during the blooming season in June and July when the fields turn vibrant purple. Seferihisar Lavender Gardens are easily accessible by car from the city of Izmir, which is approximately 45 kilometers away. Public transport options, including buses and minibusses, are also available from Izmir to Seferihisar.

Duden Waterfalls are located 12 kms northeast of Antalya and meet the sea on the city's southeast coast. It is formed by recycled station water. It consists of Upper Duden Waterfalls in a nature park and Lower Duden Waterfall in the suburb of Lara, east of the Old Town.

Located next to the Selçuklu Flower Garden and the Adventure Tower, the Konya Tropical Butterfly Garden is one of the largest urban parks in the area. The building, designed in the shape of a butterfly and covered with a glass roof, spans 7,600 square meters (82,000 square feet) and includes 3,500 square meters (38,000 square feet) of walking areas.

Covering an area of 400,000 square meters, Bursa Botanical Park is a green haven featuring thematic gardens, walking paths, and recreational facilities. The park showcases various plant species and offers a tranquil environment for visitors.