SINGAPORE (AA) – The Istanbul-themed “Blue Beauties” exhibition was opened in cooperation with “Gardens by the Bay”, one of Singapore’s world-famous public parks, and the Turkish Embassy in Singapore. As part of the thematic flower exhibitions organized annually by “Gardens by the Bay”, Türkiye participated in the event as a cultural content provider country for the fourth time as of 2026. In the event organized in cooperation with the Turkish Embassy in Singapore, “Gardens by the Bay” and Turkish Airlines (THY), cultural activities inspired by Turkish history and aesthetic tradition are organized under the name “Blue Beauties”, further expanding the cultural cooperation in previous years in terms of scope and impact.
Singapore’s Minister of State for Finance Indranee Rajah, Turkey’s Ambassador to Singapore Sadık Arslan and “Gardens by the Bay” Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Felix Loh attended the opening of the exhibition. Speaking at the opening, Singapore Ambassador Sadık Arslan said that with this exhibition, they opened a window to a civilization that sees flowers not only as ornaments of nature, but also as companions of daily life, symbols of elegance and mirrors of the human soul.
Arslan stated that Istanbul, in addition to being the center of politics for centuries, was also the cradle of art, culture, poetry, architecture and aesthetic distinction, and that throughout these processes, flowers were engraved in architecture, art, poetry, music, literature, cuisine and many areas of social life in Istanbul. Pointing out that the red-budded tree known as “Judas tree” in Turkish has a unique importance among the flowers associated with Istanbul, Ambassador Arslan said, “You will also see those purple trees exhibited in this hall today.
I mean, this flower has always existed, from biblical legends to royal documents. It blooms along the Bosphorus, transforming the city into a dream geography. For generations, the blooming of judas trees has symbolized the renewed beauty and the joyful arrival of spring; Ottoman sultans, poets and Artists were amazed by this instructive view. Even today, Judas trees continue to define the visual memory of Istanbul.” he said.
Arslan pointed out that the love of flowers in Istanbul was never limited to palaces and that flowers accompanied daily life, and that flowers showed themselves in homes, markets, fountains, mosques, manuscripts, textiles, ceramics and public festivals. Reminding that flowers are part of the language of hospitality, elegance and love, and that they not only shape the emotional and artistic landscape of Istanbul in many ways, but also deeply inspire classical Turkish poetry and music, Arslan stated that they will present some musical works from this tradition to the visitors in the exhibition.
Stating that the exhibition reflects cultural heritage and will act as a bridge between cultures, Arslan said: “Here in the ‘Garden City’ Singapore, the spirit of Istanbul finds a meaningful and inspiring response. This exhibition marks the fourth floral exhibition held together with our embassy. We deeply value this growing cultural cooperation that continues to strengthen the friendship between Turkey and Singapore.” Additionally, Arslan was on the 40th anniversary of THY’s first flight to Singapore.
Reminding that it was the anniversary, he expressed his gratitude to the company for being the main sponsor of the exhibition. – The exhibition is open until June 21. The “Blue Beauties” exhibition, which will be open to visitors until June 21, is organized around hydrangeas, judas trees and visual elements symbolizing Turkey’s cultural and historical heritage. These include Topkapı Palace, Maiden’s Tower, Grand Bazaar and Cappadocia balloons.
In the exhibition, examples of traditional Turkish weaving, tiles, carpets, evil eye beads and copper working arts are presented to Singaporeans and tourists visiting the country. In addition, within the scope of the exhibition, listeners are given the opportunity to experience the most outstanding works of traditional Turkish music live with live music performances. The exhibition is expected to be visited by more than 300 thousand visitors until June 21.
In Gardens by the Bay, in 2023, the “Tulipmania” tulip exhibition included a Turkey-themed content called “Origins of the Tulip” for the first time. In 2024, cultural cooperation continued within the framework of the “Lake” theme, while last year, this bond was further strengthened with cultural events inspired by Turkish history and aesthetic tradition under the name “Tulipmania”.
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