Turkish Flower Etiquette: Colours, Numbers and Meanings

Flowers are part of everyday social life in Türkiye. People bring them when a family visits to ask for a bride's hand, send them to hospitals with a wish of "geçmiş olsun", line shop entrances with them on opening day and, in many families, send wreaths to funerals. Most Turks are relaxed about flowers and will appreciate almost any thoughtful bouquet. Still, a few colours, occasions and customs carry meanings worth knowing, especially if you are sending from abroad to a partner's family, in-laws or business contacts. This guide covers what is commonly said, where opinions differ, and what to write on the card.

A relaxed culture, with a few sensitivities

Customs vary by region, by family and by how religious a household is. An Istanbul office, a village family in Central Anatolia and a secular family on the Aegean coast may read the same bouquet slightly differently. What follows are widely shared conventions, not rules. When in doubt, choose a fresh, seasonal mixed bouquet and a warm, simple message; that is rarely wrong.

What colours mean

• Red roses say romance. They are the classic choice for a partner, an anniversary or Valentine's Day. A large bunch of red roses for a colleague, a teacher or your partner's mother can feel out of place.
• Pink is softer: affection, gratitude and admiration. It works well for mothers, mothers-in-law, friends and a new baby girl.
• White is versatile. It stands for purity and new beginnings, so it is used in bridal flowers and for new babies, and it is also the main colour of sympathy flowers and funeral wreaths. The occasion and the card make the meaning clear.
• Yellow, especially yellow roses, is the one colour with a mixed reputation. Many Turks grew up hearing that yellow roses mean jealousy, or even separation; others simply see them as cheerful flowers of friendship. Avoid yellow as the main colour for romantic gestures, engagements or weddings. In a colourful mixed bouquet for a birthday or a get-well wish it is generally fine.
• Purple and blue read as elegant and modern, a safe choice for business contacts.
• Orange and bright mixes are joyful, good for birthdays, congratulations and openings.

Odd or even numbers?

In Russia, Ukraine and parts of Eastern Europe, an even number of flowers is strictly for funerals. In Türkiye this custom is much less strict. You will hear some people say that odd numbers are better for happy occasions, and families with Balkan, Caucasian or Russian roots may follow the rule, but florists routinely sell bouquets of 10, 20 or 50 stems and most recipients will not count. The best-known number is 101 roses, a popular grand romantic gesture. If you know the recipient's family follows the odd-number custom, simply choose an odd number.

Flowers with special associations

• Tulip (lale). The tulip is widely regarded as Türkiye's national flower, even though no law formally designates it. It has been a symbol since Ottoman times, gave its name to the early 18th-century Tulip Era (Lale Devri), and blooms by the million in Istanbul's parks every April. Tulips make a lovely spring gift with a clear Turkish connection.
• Carnations (karanfil). Inexpensive and long-lasting, carnations often appear at ceremonies, commemorations and in wreaths. A small bunch comes across as a modest gesture rather than a luxurious one.
• Chrysanthemums (kasımpatı, literally "November flower"). Unlike in France, Belgium or Italy, chrysanthemums are not strongly tied to graves and funerals in Türkiye; they are a familiar autumn garden flower. For a romantic gift, though, choose something else.
• Orchids. Potted orchids are a favourite for offices, new homes, promotions and condolences, because they last for weeks.
• Lilies. Beautiful, but heavily scented. In hospital rooms, especially shared ones, they can be unwelcome.

Etiquette by occasion

Visiting a home

There is a strong custom of not arriving empty-handed (eli boş gitmemek). Flowers, chocolates, baklava or other sweets are all good choices. Shoes usually come off at the door, and the gift is handed to the host. If you cannot be there in person, a bouquet delivered on the day of a family gathering shows the same respect.

Hospital

The wish is "Geçmiş olsun", get well soon (literally "may it be behind you"). Rules differ between hospitals: intensive care units generally do not accept flowers, and some wards limit them. Private hospitals usually accept deliveries at reception. Include the patient's full name, department and room number, and choose a lightly scented arrangement. Our guide on how to send flowers to Turkey covers addresses and delivery details.

New baby

Typical congratulations are "Gözünüz aydın" and "Allah analı babalı büyütsün" (may God let the child grow up with mother and father). White, pink or blue flowers delivered to the hospital or home are a lovely gesture. Close relatives traditionally give a gold coin, and visitors may be offered lohusa şerbeti, a sweet red spiced drink. From friends and from family far away, flowers are a perfect gift.

Engagement: söz and nişan

When the groom's family visits to ask for the bride's hand (kız isteme), they traditionally bring a bouquet and a box of chocolates. The families' agreement (söz) and the engagement party (nişan), where the couple's rings are tied with a red ribbon that an elder cuts, are both occasions for generous arrangements. Red, white and pink are safe; leave out yellow. If you cannot attend, flowers sent to the venue or the bride's family home show the families you care.

Funerals and condolences

In Türkiye a funeral wreath is called a çelenk and carries a ribbon with the sender's name and a short message. Wreaths are common from companies, institutions and colleagues, while some families prefer a donation in the deceased's name. Because burial usually happens within a day, timing matters. Read our guide to condolence flowers in Turkey before ordering.

Grand openings

A new shop, clinic or office is congratulated with a ferforje: a tall arrangement on a wrought-iron stand, placed at the entrance with a ribbon such as "Hayırlı olsun" (may it be blessed) or "Bol kazançlar" (wishing you good business). For business partners in Türkiye this is the expected gesture.

Mother's Day, birthdays and romance

Turkish Mother's Day (Anneler Günü) is the second Sunday of May, as in Germany and the US but not the UK. Birthdays and anniversaries follow international habits: roses for love, mixed bouquets for friends and family. Teachers are honoured on 24 November; see Teachers' Day in Turkey.

What to write on the card

A few short Turkish phrases go a long way:

• İyi ki doğdun! Happy birthday (literally "so glad you were born").
• Seni seviyorum. I love you.
• Geçmiş olsun. Get well soon.
• Gözünüz aydın! Congratulations on the new baby.
• Hayırlı olsun. Congratulations, for openings, new homes and engagements.
• Anneler Günün kutlu olsun. Happy Mother's Day.
• Başınız sağ olsun. My condolences.

Use the formal siz form ("Doğum gününüz kutlu olsun") for elders, in-laws you do not know well and business contacts. Your card message can be up to 300 characters in English, Turkish, German or Russian, and we can add a Turkish translation free of charge and hand-write it.

Ready to choose? Browse our flowers and gifts or find the recipient's district on the delivery areas page, from Istanbul to Antalya. The delivery fee is shown in the cart before payment, and you receive a photo of the delivery by email and WhatsApp.