Spring is the season of new beginnings, and nothing signals the arrival of spring more than the blooming of tulips. For the people of Kazakhstan, the sight of tulips in full bloom is not just a visual treat, it has significance beyond the mere aesthetic appeal. A land where dozens of tulip species originate, Kazakhstan is home to some of the world’s most diverse types of wild tulips.
Tulips have a rich history in Kazakhstan, and the country is rightly considered the origin of the world’s most diverse types of wild tulips. Nearly forty out of approximately 100-120 known wild species are found in Kazakhstan, with eighteen of these species included in the Red Book. Twelve species are endemic, meaning they only grow in the country. The origins of seventy-five percent of tulips’ cultivated varieties are represented by three species – Tulipa greigii, Tulipa kaufmanniana, and Tulipa schrenkii.
Tulipa greigii, known as the “king of tulips,” has the largest flowers of all and is the most valuable in breeding. Its petals are up to 15 centimeters long, and it begins to blossom in warmer parts of the country at the end of March. Tulipa kaufmanniana stands out for its bright colors, and most varieties have petals colored in two to three, or more shades. Through the efforts of breeders, around 200 new varieties of the Kaufmann tulip have been bred. Tulipa schrenkii, which grows in Kazakhstan, appeared in the Ottoman gardens and was widely cultivated under the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent, Sultan of the Ottoman Empire from 1520 until 1566. It also made history as the first tulip species to reach Europe.
For the Kazakh people, the brief but intense period of tulip blooms is more than just a reminder of spring’s arrival. It is a reminder of the transience of life itself. These flowers blossom on the steppes of Kazakhstan from late March, when the grip of winter is still palpable, till late June. Southern regions of the country celebrate this blossoming period with annual tulip festivals.
It is not just the tulips’ beauty that fascinates people; it is also their origin. While the world is spoiled by the Dutch legacy of selection and breeding of over 3,000 cultivated varieties of tulips that are sold worldwide, the original home of the tulips is not the Netherlands. The first tulips came to the kingdom of the Netherlands over 400 years ago from Türkiye, where they were brought from Central Asia. From there, they spread to the west and the north. The Turks were the first to grow tulips in their gardens, even before the Dutch were involved in selecting and breeding these beautiful plants.
Wild tulips are on the verge of extinction due to human activities such as expanding cities, plowing, and cattle grazing. Plucking flowers causes considerable harm to nature as wild tulip seedlings need 10 to 17 years to bloom for the first time. The Kazakhs have cherished tulips for centuries, and gifting flowers was generally considered outlandish. Their ancestors cared about the environment, animals, and plants, evidenced by proverbs such as “the flowers are the beauty of the earth,” which means they belong to the earth.
Preserving wild tulips is crucial, as they are the source of new varieties of cultivated tulips. Botanical scientist Anna Ivashchenko has devoted over 60 years to studying and preserving the flora of Kazakhstan, including wild tulips. She believes that if we do not preserve wild tulips now, we risk losing the wild species and the cultivated varieties. The old ones will die out without being renewed, and nothing will be left to create new varieties.
In conclusion, tulips are an integral part of Kazakhstan’s natural heritage and are an important reminder of the transience of life. The country’s rich history and diverse tulip species make it a unique destination for visitors. The Kazakh people’s reverence for these beautiful flowers is evident in their proverbs, beliefs, and celebrations. By working towards preserving wild tulips, we not only protect the environment but also ensure new varieties of cultivated tulips for future generations to enjoy.
