The cypress tree holds deep symbolic meanings in various cultures. However, these meanings in Turkish culture are more unique and powerful than in other cultures. While it represents immortality in Greek mythology through the legend of Kyparissos, in Turkish art and culture it embodies values such as abundance, fertility, truth, and endurance. Why not explore the place of this elegant tree in Ottoman art, how it has been evaluated historically and culturally, and why this symbolism has been so deeply explored? In this article, we will examine in detail the place of the cypress in Turkish culture, its meaning, and how it is represented in art.
Greek Mythology and the Meaning of the Cypress
According to Greek mythology, Kyparissus, who accidentally shot his beloved deer while hunting in the forest, begged the gods to take its life, and Apollo transformed it into a cypress. The etymology of the words for "cypress" in foreign languages (cypress, cyprès) is based on this myth.
The Historical and Cultural Value of Cypress in Turkish Culture
Historically, the cypress tree stands out for its unique, upright, conical structure, distinguishing it from other trees. This characteristic allows it to be depicted in decorative arts without the need for excessive stylization and is easily recognized. In Turkish culture, the cypress tree is seen as the tree of life, representing abundance and prosperity. With its roots deep underground, its trunk above ground, and its leaves reaching toward the sky, it evokes birth, life, and the desire to reach heaven. The cypress's fallen leaves are pollinated before falling to the ground, and because new leaves immediately sprout, the tree never loses its greenery. Its evergreen nature symbolizes resilience in harsh climatic conditions, immortality, or longevity. This characteristic is also one of the reasons for its popularity among the motifs used on gravestones. Under the cypress trees that adorn cemeteries, cypress motifs are often seen on gravestones, either alone or surrounded by grape clusters and vine leaves, or in combination with roses and other flowers, passionflowers, and similar rosettes. Its use on tombstones is also interpreted as a desire to liken these eternal resting places to the gardens of Paradise. Its erection in sacred spaces, including places of worship, and in the gardens of palaces and summer palaces, is due to its perceived protective and auspicious character. Because of this characteristic, cypress motifs are also found on talismanic shirts and jewelry bearing the inscription "Maşallah."
The cypress's natural structure enhances its aesthetic and symbolic value, making it a popular motif in art. As a reflection of this natural structure, you can take a look at this special product .
The Place of the Cypress Tree in Ottoman Art
In Ottoman art, the cypress tree is frequently represented as a part of nature. Kara Memi's Muhibbi Divan of 1566 features miniature cypress trees adorned with various flowers. Tiny cypresses are examples of trees later seen in İznik tiles and ceramics. Cypress trees, surrounded by blossoming fruit tree branches and grapevine leaves, were used as the main axis or dominant motif in large İznik tile panels dating from the late 16th and early 17th centuries, such as the tiles of the Crown Prince's Office in Topkapı Palace. In the tile panels at the Eyüp Sultan Tomb, cypress trees are interpreted as part of the Garden of Eden. Because they symbolize eternity, they are also a frequently used motif on prayer rugs.
The cypress tree holds a special place in our cultural and artistic history. While this tree embodies values such as abundance, fertility, truth, and endurance, it also represents the aesthetic beauty of nature. The frequent representation of the cypress tree in Ottoman art is a testament to its cultural and aesthetic value. You can see the cypress's historical reflection in this unique design .
