On March 12, 2025, an official naming ceremony took place at the Embassy of Turkey in The Hague. H.E. Mr. Selçuk Ünal, the Ambassador of Turkiye in the Netherlands, along with Mr. Arjan Smit, the proprietor of Smit Flowers, proudly named a new Tulip “Kızılırmak.”
Ambassador Selçuk Ünal, in part delivered the following speech “this momentous name-giving event celebrates the rich history, vibrant culture, and unbreakable friendship between Turkiye and the Netherlands. From this day forward, the Kızılırmak Tulip will serve as a living symbol of the enduring bond between our two countries. The tulip takes its name from the Kızılırmak, the longest river that flows exclusively within Turkiye.
The Kızılırmak has been the lifeblood of Anatolia for thousands of years, nurturing countless civilizations from the Hittites to the modern Republic of Turkiye. It stands as a powerful symbol of culture, prosperity, and resilience. Just as this river carves its path through time and geography, the Turkish nation has faced adversity, emerged stronger, and persistently moved forward. The Kızılırmak Tulip will inspire us to further strengthen the ties between the people of Turkiye and the Netherlands. In this important ceremony, we honor our past and look confidently toward the future. We celebrate our shared history and culture while reaffirming the enduring friendship between Turkiye and the Netherlands.
Today marks 104 years since the Turkish Grand National Assembly adopted the İstiklâl Marşı, the National Anthem penned by our revered poet Mehmet Akif Ersoy. This anthem embodies the spirit of our nation’s resilience and independence. To commemorate this occasion, we are naming a new, specially bred pink triumph tulip in collaboration with Royal Anthos and Smit Flowers.
The choice of the tulip as the centerpiece of this day underscores its historical and cultural significance for both the Turkish and Dutch peoples, who have treasured it for centuries as a symbol of beauty, prosperity, and elegance. The tulip is not just a flower; it represents a bridge between our nations, signifying the historical and cultural exchanges that unite us.
The İstiklâl Marşı is far more than a mere poem; it is a declaration of courage and determination that became the rallying cry of a people who would not surrender and fought tirelessly for their freedom. It is crucial to remember that during the turbulent times of World War I and its aftermath, the Netherlands stood as a neutral party, even safeguarding Ottoman interests in various nations, particularly Greece.
As one of the seven countries to recognize the new Republic, this enduring friendship has been crucial as we recently commemorated the 100th anniversary of the Friendship Treaty.
This bond is alive and well today, addressing contemporary challenges that impact our shared interests. Mr. Caspar Velderkampt’s recent visit to Turkiye is a timely reminder of our commitment to this partnership. As we celebrate the Kızılırmak tulip, we reaffirm our dedication to nurturing the nearly five-century-old friendship between Turkiye and the Netherlands.
I want to extend my sincere gratitude to Royal Anthos and Smit Flowers for making this significant day possible”.
The solemn yet joyful nominating of the tulip was conducted by Ambassador Selçuk Ünal and Mr. Arjan Smit.
The ceremony concluded with a reception in the beautiful garden of the Turkish Chancellery.
