While Istanbul may be a timeless city and gorgeous all-year-round, many would argue that spring in the city is something else altogether. The cold weather slowly starts to get warm again around mid-March and clear blue, sunny skies replace its gray winter silhouette. Istanbul starts preparing for the busy spring and summer months, when each year millions arrive to witness its unique beauty. Spring in the city is special for a number of reasons: The city is not yet overrun by tourists; accommodation is cheaper than the busy summer months; and nature truly awakens and starts to display its wonders generously. Here are a few other tips that will help you experience the magic of spring in Istanbul.
Tulip Festival
The month of April is tulip time in Istanbul. Turkey’s symbol flower dominates the city during this month and it’s a wondrous way to welcome spring. The city’s municipality organizes the Tulip Festival, now in its 11th year and puts on a show not to be missed. Istanbul’s parks and squares are adorned with millions of tulips in all the colors of the rainbow and beyond. Last year (2015) two parks on the Asian and European sides of the city were selected as venues for a number of activities. Emirgan Park, on the European shore and close to Sarıyer, is a safe bet to witness the beauty of tulips and catch a few tulip-themed activities. The area itself is one of the most beautiful places in Istanbul and has been drawing the attention of many people planning to invest in real estate in Istanbul. On the Asian side, last year’s activity venue was Göztepe 60. Anniversary Park, again a popular area for locals and tourists alike, who are looking for Istanbul apartments for sale. There are also many live concerts by local musicians and art activities including the traditional Turkish art of water marbling. A couple of big sport activities were also planned as part of the festival, such as the Women’s Tennis Cup and Interuniversity Beach Football Tournament. Then, of course there is Sultanahmet, the prime touristic zone in the city. Last year’s activities included a world-first, tulip carpet made from over 500 thousand tulips and displayed at Sultanahmet Square. All in all, the festival alone makes it worthwhile to visit the city in spring.
Open Markets and Bazaars
Another way to really experience the magic of spring in Istanbul and Turkey is to head over to one of the city’s many open markets and bazaars. The fresh produce representing Turkey’s agricultural richness is displayed best at these places. Green almonds and plums, artichokes, fava beans, peas, wild spring shoots of 40 varieties all start adorning market stalls. On the European side, Beşiktaş market on Saturdays is a convenient place to witness the generosity of Mother Nature and the hard work of Turkish farmers. If you are on the Asian side, head over to the Tuesday market on Kadıköy, to buy fresh fruits and vegetables at reasonable prices. Both Beşiktaş and Kadıköy are among the largest neighborhoods in the city and quite popular choices for those investing in Istanbul. So, expect to see crowds of locals and expats enjoying the arrival of the bounties of spring.
Istanbul International Film Festival
If you are a film enthusiast, then the first two weeks of April is the perfect time to be in Istanbul. Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts organizes the festival that is spread out over many movie theatres across the city’s Asian and European sides, in neighborhoods like Taksim, Nişantaşı and Kadıköy.
The grand prize is fittingly called the “Golden Tulip” and many important films from all around the world, including the newest Turkish releases make their debut at this festival. Tickets run out fast, so buy them in advance.
Migrating Birds
Istanbul is located right on the path of many migrating birds and spring is the perfect time to watch over 30 different species of birds migrating back from the south to their homes in the north as winter ends. Simply head over to the hills of Sarıyer, between Büyükdere and Rumeli Kavağı, in order to get a good glimpse of kites, eagles, storks and more. This is yet another area that is fast becoming a popular location for property investment in Istanbul.
Turbot
March is the best time to taste the weird-looking but great-tasting turbot or kalkan as the Turks call it. This fish is the favorite of many locals and it is another traditional way to welcome spring in Istanbul. Balıkçı Kahraman in Rumeli Kavağı is considered as the best place to try turbot tandoori, cooked slowly over a wood fire in a whole in the ground.