The Hague, 23 April 2025 – The Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye was a lively scene of celebration today, as H.E. Mr. Selçuk Ünal, Ambassador of Türkiye to the Netherlands, hosted a warm ceremony to unveil a special tulip variety named “Anadolu.” The event, rich with symbolism and national pride, also honored the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye and National Sovereignty and Children’s Day, a very dear holiday in Turkish culture.
The tulip, aptly named “Anadolu” (Anatolia), blooms in the resplendent red and white colors of the Turkish flag. It is the final creation in a commemorative trilogy of tulips developed in cooperation with Royal Anthos and Smit Flowers to mark important moments in modern Turkish history.
In his remarks, Ambassador Ünal welcomed a diverse gathering of diplomats, Turkish families, business representatives from the floriculture sector, and special young guests. “Anadolu is more than just a geographical name,” he said. “It symbolizes resilience, wisdom, and rebirth.” The Ambassador’s speech underscored the close, nearly five-century-long ties between Türkiye and the Netherlands, highlighting mutual respect and continued collaboration, particularly in horticulture and diplomacy.
Today’s event took place in the Embassy’s historic premises, which themselves reflect the longstanding Turkish presence in The Hague. The festive atmosphere was enriched with children’s activities, and the shared joy of cultural celebration. Families involved in tulip growing, breeding, and exporting mingled with members of the diplomatic corps, enjoying the beauty of the new tulip and the warmth of the Turkish community.
Children held a place of honor, as 23 April is celebrated across Türkiye as National Sovereignty and Children’s Day. Originally dedicated by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk to the children of the world, the day promotes peace and a vision of the future built on youthful promise. In Türkiye, children from around the globe are invited to take part in official events, and this spirit of inclusion was mirrored today in The Hague.
Ambassador Ünal reminded guests that this tulip is a tribute to the past and a seed of hope: “By naming this tulip ‘Anadolu,’ we plant inspiration for generations to come.” He extended heartfelt thanks to Royal Anthos, Smit Flowers, Bostbloembollen, Max Com BV, and the Royal General Bulb Growers’ Association (KAVB) for making the project possible.
The “Anadolu” tulip now joins “Kızılırmak” and “Gelibolu” as emblematic blossoms of Turkish pride and Dutch-Turkish friendship.
