Oriental paradise. Turkish influences in Polish gardens

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We present models of plants and representations of tents and garden pavilions inspired by the Orient. The gardens were one of the most important areas of cultural exchange between the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and the Ottoman Empire. Centuries of political, diplomatic and trade contacts have influenced Poles’ special interest in the nature, art and architecture of the Orient. This phenomenon was reflected in gardens where many species of ornamental and exotic plants from that region were grown. Valuable Turkish tents were also exhibited and decorative pavilions in the form of mosques, minarets, kiosks and baths were built. The most important examples presented remind us of the exceptional importance of Turkish influence for the heritage of Polish gardens.

Exhibition date:

18 September – 17 December, 2023

Tickets:

Included in the price of a ticket to the palace

Venue:

The ground floor of the palace, a showcase next to the bookstore check locations

check location

Plant species

One of the main manifestations of Turkish influence are numerous plant species imported from the areas of the former Ottoman Empire since the 16th century. The most important of them are tulips, distinguished by their exceptional beauty and diversity. Imperial chessboards with flowers resembling a monarch’s crown were also popular. Mediterranean plants such as citrus fruits, fig trees and rosemary played an important role and were collected due to their wide use in medicine and cooking. At the exhibition, we present models of sixteen species of these plants that are still widely grown in Polish gardens.

Turkish tents

It is worth taking a look at the images of Turkish tents once displayed in the gardens of the palaces in Wilanów, Powązki and Puławy. They were brought to Poland as part of trade or as gifts or spoils of war. Due to their great value, tents were pitched in gardens temporarily, during the summer or on special occasions. During grand celebrations and outdoor performances, they evoked the atmosphere of the distant Orient. They were made by tent masters, using cloth, canvas and leather. The interiors of the tents were decorated with intricate patterns of silk threads, ribbons, embroidery and appliqués. The basic construction elements were shafts ending with spiers or ponytail buns, balls or crescents.

Garden structures

We also present the most interesting examples of pavilions designed by outstanding architects such as Szymon Bogumił Zug and Jan Chrystian Kamsetzer. In the 18th and 19th centuries, many garden buildings were built in Poland, referring to the motifs of Turkish architecture or the broadly understood oriental style. They were an expression of ideas about the architecture of the Middle East, inspired by travel reports and illustrated lexicons, patterns and catalogues. These include mosques and minarets, kiosks and baths. These structures were most often built over ponds or in places overlooking water, because the Ottoman Empire was perceived as a maritime state. They played an important role in the composition of the gardens, and were also used as observation points – places to admire particularly beautiful views as well as for relaxation and entertainment.

Additional information

The exhibition was prepared on the occasion of the 17th International Congress of Turkish Art (ICTA), co-organised by the Museum of King Jan III’s Palace in Wilanów and the University of Warsaw on 18–21 September, 2023.

The Museum of King Jan III’s Palace at Wilanów actively engages in activities for environmental protection and sustainable development, therefore most of the exhibition elements are made of environmentally friendly materials. After the exhibition ends, they will be reused by the Museum or recycled. Thanks to this, we will significantly reduce the consumption of natural raw materials and the amount of waste, and thus their negative impact on the environment.

Download the free publication accompanying the exhibition: