11.02.2026 10:02
In Amasya, one of the plant-rich cities of Anatolia, flowers have started to bloom in the mountains. Europe is home to 15,000 plant species, while Turkey hosts 12,000. Experts, drawing attention to biopiracy incidents, stated that these flowers have a "national wealth" value, saying, "We encounter those who attempt to smuggle this wealth to other countries. As a nation, we must protect our natural beauties."
Of the 12,000 plant species in Turkey, 1,991 can be seen in Amasya. The city, which is located in the transition zone between the Euro-Siberian and Iran-Turan floristic regions in terms of plant geography, has areas that exhibit microclimate characteristics. This winter, flowers have started to bloom in the Çakallar area at the peak of the city, where snow and rain have been effective. Species such as snowdrop, crocus, and violet, hidden among the rocks, have begun to show their beauty. Nature enthusiasts have headed to the peaks to capture images of the flowers. Experts have raised important warnings, drawing attention to the incidents of biopiracy that have occurred.
"THESE PLANTS ARE OUR NATIONAL WEALTH"
Prof. Dr. Cengiz Yıldırım, a faculty member at Amasya University, stated that differences in climatic changes, grazing, construction, and road construction are risks that require sensitivity towards the affected plants, saying, "A flower is beautiful on its branch. There is no need to uproot it from its natural environment or create new pressure on them. It is very important for society to become generally aware and for those living in rural areas to report to the relevant institutions when they see outsiders. Because these plants are our national wealth," he said.
"THERE ARE THOSE TRYING TO SMUGGLE THEM TO OTHER COUNTRIES"
Addressing the incidents of biopiracy, Prof. Dr. Yıldırım stated, "We encounter those who are trying to smuggle this wealth to other countries. Indeed, the fate of the Amasya Tulip was the same. We had to obtain the seeds of the lost Amasya Tulip, which we could not find in its natural environment for years, from abroad," he said.
THERE ARE 15,000 PLANT SPECIES IN EUROPE AND 12,000 IN TURKEY
Prof. Dr. Yıldırım pointed out that while there are approximately 15,000 plant species in Europe, Turkey is home to a total of 12,000 plant species, about 3,800 of which are endemic, saying, "The total number of plants in Europe is 15,000. We are talking about 12,000 plants just in the Anatolian geography. The Anatolian geography has a plant diversity that exhibits continental characteristics."
"WE MUST PROTECT OUR NATURAL BEAUTIES"
Yıldırım stated, "Even if we may not realize how valuable these are, people from outside do recognize them, which is why they want to take these values to their countries. They can also find intermediaries from here. Both of these are very dangerous. Therefore, as a nation, we must protect our natural beauties," he said.