Tulip age of IstanbulTulip Age had its name from the enthusiasm of palace residents and prosperous families to grow tulips in the period between 1718 and 1730. In Tulip Age which includes the reign of Sultan Ahmed the 3rd and Grand Vizier Nevşehirli Damat İbrahim Paşa, Istanbul was a scene to many innovations and changes.
Inspired by some cities of Europe, Grand Vizier Nevşehirli Damat İbrahim Paşa, busied himself with the construction in Istanbul. Firstly, Golden Horn was improved and the surroundings of River of Kağıthane and Golden Horn were made walkways. Sadabad Pavilion was built in Kağıthane in honor of sultan and its landscape was embellished of tulip gardens. These gardens caused a glut of tulip growing among wealthy people. Also in this period many villas and gardens were built in towns of Üsküdar, Beylerbeyi, Bebek, Fındıklı, Alibeyköyü, Ortaköy ve Topkapı.
Tulip Age was not only a stage to architectural innovations. While the Age enable the development of art and literature, poets and artists became the focus of the palace. Cultural improvements took place in Istanbul with the opening of libraries and surrounding cultural complexes. Meanwhile, Istanbul witnessed the launch of more organized institutions. Fire brigade was established in that period. First printing house was also set up in this period by İbrahim Müteferrika. Moreover, a chinaware factory, clothing factory and Yalova Paper factory were launched in these years.
Tulip Age came to an end in 1730 with revolt of Patrona Halil. During this revolt, tulip gardens which are the symbol of the era, and most of the villas were completely destroyed. |
