Kazakhstan – The Home of the Tulip

For decades, there has been a debate about the true origin of the tulip – whether it is Kazakhstan or the Netherlands. Recent scientific research has confirmed that this graceful flower actually hails from Kazakhstan, more specifically, from the Berikkara Gorge in the Zhambyl region. Over 10 million years ago, the first wild tulips emerged through the arid lands of Kazakhstan. Although wild tulips can also be found in countries like Turkey, Iran, Afghanistan, the Caucasus, and across the Mediterranean, the largest population resides in Kazakhstan.

Around 500 years ago, the first tulip bulbs made their way from Central Asia to Turkey, and from there, they were introduced to the Netherlands. It was in the Netherlands that tulips were cultivated and eventually spread across the globe. Today, there are about 10,000 different varieties of tulips, covering every color and form imaginable.

Centuries ago, tulip bulbs were worth exorbitant amounts of money. They were exchanged for gold, precious stones, and even entire houses. Tulips became symbols of prosperity, happiness, and love.

The etymology of the flower’s name is linked to the well-known headwear of Eastern cultures – the turban. The flower’s petals form an intriguing shape, resembling a turban. It’s no wonder tulips are considered some of the most beautiful spring flowers.

Kazakhstan is home to many of these incredible representatives of the plant world. The country boasts a vast area of tulip distribution. During the spring, fields along the roads bloom with bright red and lemon-yellow wild tulip buds. These flowers also flourish in mountain meadows. In urban areas, tulips adorn flowerbeds and park spaces, their vibrant colors – white, lilac, burgundy, orange, pink, nearly black, and more – delighting the eye.

Kazakhstan is home to several endemic tulip species, including Zinaida’s tulip, Borshchov’s tulip, and Kolpakovsky’s tulip. The country officially recognizes 35 wild tulip species, 18 of which are listed in the Red Book of Kazakhstan. Among these are Greig’s and Kaufmann’s tulips, which have given rise to eight lines of cultivated tulips.

The Greig tulip, known as the “king of tulips,” stands out with its large bluish leaves, tall stem, and predominantly large red buds. Occasionally, the petals are red with a yellow border – a stunning combination!

Kaufmann’s tulip is shorter, delicate, and features sharp petals in two or three colors. In the wild, it can only be found in Kazakhstan, specifically in the western part of the Tien Shan mountains and in Karatau.

Another noteworthy species is Schrenk’s tulip, a wild beauty that grows in semi-deserts, steppes, and even deserts. The Karaganda region provides the most favorable conditions for its growth.

While it’s impossible to describe every tulip variety, one that deserves mention is perhaps the most unique and memorable – Regel’s tulip. Its flowers resemble a lotus, with a very short stem and typically one wide, rippled leaf. This relic species can push through stones, screes, and rocky outcrops. Regel’s tulip is also listed in the Red Book of Kazakhstan and grows at the foot of the Chu-Ili Mountains.

Many nature reserves and sanctuaries in Kazakhstan, such as Naurzum, Korgalzhyn, Aksu-Zhabagly, Berikkara, and Krasnaya Gorka, protect tulips and their natural habitats.

In the Central Botanical Garden of Almaty, visitors can fully appreciate the beauty of these splendid flowers. The garden features a special section called the “Alpinarium,” which has been in operation since 1979. Here, 13 of the rarest tulip species are on display.

The understated beauty of tulips is captivating, so much so that large festivals are held in their honor in countries like the Netherlands and Turkey. Kazakhstan, as the tulip’s historic homeland, also celebrates this remarkable flower. Every year, Almaty hosts the spring festival “Koktem Korki – Qyzgaldak,” which aims to preserve the unique tulip, foster patriotism, and promote respect for nature.