In Persian folklore, the first Tulip is said to have bloomed from the blood of star crossed lovers, Farhad and Shirin, in a tale reminiscent of the infamous Romeo and Juliet.
A lowly stone cutter, Farhad, loved the Princess Shirin, and wanted to win her heart. One day Princess Shirin was led into the mountain’s forest by her courtesan and when she saw Farhad and heard his music, she fell in love.
When her father, the Shah heard that his only daughter had fallen for someone beneath her he was not happy. He decreed that Farhad, being a commoner, must complete a task: to dig a canal through the bedrock of the hills. Farhad didn’t blink; he loaded up his spade and headed for the hills. He labored tirelessly for years and he was making real progress. Word reached the Shah that Farhad had almost completed his task. He sent one of the princess’ courtiers to tell Farhad that Shirin was dead. Then, overcome by grief, Farhad used his spade to take his life, and his blood flowed into the canal. When news reached Princess Shirin she ran to the mountains. Upon seeing him, she then took her own life. Where they lay together, their scarlet blood pooled, and each drop formed a tulip. Ensuring their love will live forever.
Tulip is a flower that originated from Anatolia and has been the main crown of the gardens for centuries. A period of the Ottoman Empire was named after him, but it was forgotten in Anatolia with the collapse of the Ottoman Empire and after a while it became important again in the Netherlands. It was the first gift from the Ottoman Empire to the Netherlands in ancient times.
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