The fine for plucking protected inverted tulips in Hizan district of Bitlis is 244,315 TL ($7500) as the flowers bloom in Gayda Cemetery. These tulips, also called ‘crying bride’ or ‘sadness flower’, are blooming earlier this year due to warmer weather. Nature enthusiasts and photographers are drawn to these blooms, which last only 20 days annually. Plucking, damaging, or breaking these protected flowers results in a hefty fine. Despite the admiration from locals and visitors for the beautiful sight, strict protection measures are in place to preserve these delicate blooms.
Mücahit Tarlan-Abdullah Ölez