A traditional Ottoman garden has been created in Antalya for EXPO 2016. The garden, which is one of the most visited places at EXPO 2016, takes visitors on a journey back to history. Organized with the participation of 53 countries with the motto "Flower and children," EXPO 2016 offers beautiful scenery and entertainment at the Ottoman Garden which is built over 1.5 acres.
The Ottoman Garden takes its inspiration from the "şadırvan" (water-tank with a fountain) in the Hagia Sophia. The Hagia Sophia şadırvan, which is located in the courtyard, was built on the orders of the Sultan Mahmud I in 1790 and is considered a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture and one of the best şadırvans in Istanbul.
The Ottoman Garden features a crooked fountain, a canal, a fountain, a walking trail in the motif of "elibelinde," which is a symbol of abundance and motherhood; İznik tiles; a "maşallah" sculpture; a nahıl tree, which is still used as a symbol of abundance in wedding ceremonies; a sun clock, walls and columns.
Visitors to the garden are welcomed by Nasreddin, who was a satirical Sufi in thousands of stories, sometimes witty, sometimes wise, but often a fool or the butt of a joke. After seeing Nasreddin with prayer beads in his hand and a turban on his head, people get in line to take photos with him.
The Ottoman Garden also offers various entertainment that was popular during the Ottoman era. Story tellers, comedy plays, Hacivat and Karagöz shadow plays, Sufi music concerts, Nasreddin jokes and calligraphy workshops are all on offer at the Ottoman Garden. The representatives of guest countries are hosted at the Ottoman Garden with the company of Sufi music and Turkish coffee.
