The Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (İBB) is installing permanent flower stalls for the nine florists who have been selling flowers to tourists and Istanbulites in Taksim Square for years. The permanent stalls are being erected at the entrance of the historic Istiklal Avenue which is one of the main tourist attractions in Istanbul.
The booths will resemble small shops and will be covered with glass that will protect the florists from the heat of the summer and the harsh cold of the winter. Speaking to Anadolu Agency (AA), florist Ahmet Yorgun who has worked in Taksim Square for the last 50 years, expressed his gratitude for the project, saying the weather conditions affect the flowers more than the florists. "The flowers fade away very quickly during summertime and we have to throw most of the flowers away. Now, the municipality is building permanent stalls for us. We are the symbols of Taksim," said Yorgun.
Ali Yorgun, a relative of another florist Ahmet Yorgun who has served the district of Taksim for 42 years, said: "Thanks to [İBB], we will have permanent kiosks. God willing, everything is going to be okay from now on."
Ali Yorgun also said the flowers are very delicate and they are quickly affected by the weather conditions. "Our previous stalls did not offer any protection as they were out in the open. If the new places have four glass walls and air conditioning, that would be very nice," he added.
