Kazakhstan: The Birthplace of Tulips

Where did the tulip originate from?

Tulips are undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and recognizable flowers in the world. With their vibrant colors and unique shape, they are a popular choice for gardens, bouquets, and floral arrangements. While the Netherlands is widely known as the home of tulips, the true origin of this elegant flower is actually thousands of miles away in the lands of Kazakhstan. Recent scientific studies have shown that the Berikkara Gorge in the Zhambyl Region of Kazakhstan is the birthplace of the wild tulip, with the first sprouts emerging more than 10 million years ago. While wild tulips grow in other countries such as Turkey, Iran, Afghanistan, the Caucasus, and the Mediterranean, the largest population of wild tulips can be found in Kazakhstan.

About 500 years ago, the first flower bulbs from Central Asia arrived in Turkey before eventually making their way to the Netherlands where they underwent selection and spread worldwide. Today, there are approximately 10,000 different varieties of tulips in the world, available in various colors and shapes.

Centuries ago, tulip bulbs were incredibly expensive, exchanged for gold, precious stones, and even houses, and became a symbol of prosperity, happiness, and love. The name of the flower originates from the headdress of Eastern peoples – the turban – due to the interesting shape of its petals.

Wild ancestors of the beloved flower

Kazakhstan is known for having the most diverse types of wild tulips, with Zinaida, Borshchov, Kolpakovsky tulips, and others being endemic to the country meaning they can only be found in Kazakhstan and nowhere else. Thirty-five species of wild-growing tulips are officially registered in Kazakhstan, 18 of which are endangered. Among them are the tulips of Greig and Kaufmann, from which 75% of all cultivated tulips originated.

The Greig tulip, also known as the «king of tulips,» is distinguished by large gray leaves, a tall stem, and a large red bud, with some petals being red with a yellow border. The Kaufmann tulip, on the other hand, is low and delicate, with sharp petals of two or three colors, and can only be found in the western part of the Tien Shan and Karatau Mountains in Kazakhstan.

Other varieties of tulips also grow in Kazakhstan, such as the Schrenk tulip, which grows in semi-deserts, steppes, and even deserts. The Karaganda Region has the most favorable conditions for its growth. Another interesting and memorable variety is Regel's tulip, which resembles a lotus flower and has a very short stem and a wide, corrugated leaf. This species is a relic species and can even break through stones and rocky ledges. It grows at the foot of the Chu-Ili Mountains.

Where to see wild tulips?

Kazakhstan protects tulips in many nature reserves and sanctuaries, including Naurzum, Korgaljyn, Aksu-Jabagly, Berkara, and Krasnaya Gorka. The Main Botanical Garden in Almaty also features an «Alpinarium» exhibit, showcasing 13 of the rarest types of tulips.

Large-scale tulip festivals are held in the Netherlands and Turkey, while Kazakhstan also hosts its own colorful and fragrant tulip festival. Every year, Almaty holds the spring holiday «Koktem Korki ­– Kyzgaldak,» which aims to preserve the unique flower and foster a patriotic spirit and respect for nature.