President Tsai Ing-wen presented an orchid nano-painted with gradient red and white (to symbolize the Turkish flag) by Tainan manufacturers on her Facebook post. It was a gesture of condolence to the victims of the severe earthquake that hit Turkey this February. The Turkish national television station TRT (Türkiye Radyo Televizyon Kurumu) mentioned President Tsai’s post with the printed orchid in their news highlight on the reactions of different countries regarding the earthquake.
In her Facebook post, President Tsai said the orchid indicates that Taiwan’s thoughts are with the Turkish people and the Taiwanese public continues to donate resources and funds to support Turkey’s post-disaster recovery and reconstruction.
Tainan City Mayor Huang Wei-che expressed that Tainan citizens wanted to do something after hearing about the earthquake. In addition to coordinating cardboard box donations among six major local enterprises, the city also presented orchids in the colors of the Turkish flag. The Mayor thanked the Taiwan Orchid Growers Association and orchid growers for presenting such a beautiful and meaningful flower.
Last year (2022) at the Taiwan International Orchid Show, Taiwan presented an orchid with the Ukrainian flag painted on it to show our support for Ukraine. At this year’s Orchid Show, which is held in March, a limited number of Turkish flag orchids will be available for charity sale. All proceeds will be donated to the Ministry of Health and Welfare’s earthquake relief fund. It is worth noting that the orchid symbolizes safety and happiness, which is what Taiwan wishes for Turkey. We believe that the Turkish people are as resilient as the orchids and will eventually rebuild their homes and start a new life.