For its legendary beauty, the Bosphorus is one of the most beautiful points of not only Istanbul or Turkey but also of the entire world. Of course, there are other things augmenting the beauty of the Bosphorus: dolphins swimming, dipping and rising merrily, pavilions and palaces reflecting the grandeur of the history, ferries shuttling between two continents… However, there is such a period every year that bright hues of pink and fuchsia merge in the blue of the Bosphorus, and deliver a feast for the eyes.

Just like every year, the Judas trees, which are the symbol of the Bosphorus, have begun to bloom since the mid-April. Endemic to this region, the Judas trees are also the material in historic events. Reportedly, Judas, one of the 12 apostles of Jesus Christ, deeply regrets what he has done after his betrayal. Unable to bear this remorse, Judas eventually hangs himself on a cercis tree. From that day on, the cercis, which had been white-flowered previously, acquires its present-day color because of shame.

You’ve got time until mid-May to see the Judas trees of the Bosphorus. Make sure not to miss the most beautiful colors of spring in Istanbul: the beauty of the Judas trees with bright hues ranging from pink to purple.