As I look at the houses on the upper side of Kadıyoran Hill in Istanbul’s Prinkipo Island, Büyükada, I can’t help but notice how they were once abandoned and forgotten. However, in recent times, this scene has gradually started to change. With the introduction of electric buses, we no longer have to climb these slopes, but as we walk down, we witness the renovated state of these houses. Once neglected gardens are now being meticulously cared for. The houses have changed hands, been renovated one by one, and undergone significant restorations. The gardens, which used to be empty and unkempt, are now lush with lawns and greenery.
Every morning, these gardens are watered with expensive city water, and within a few days, the lawns are carefully mowed. The fresh scent of grass that spreads during watering enhances the tranquility of summer mornings, but the noise of lawnmowers disrupts this peace. The costs associated with watering, mowing, hiring gardeners, and other maintenance are not insignificant. People are making significant investments to beautify this corner of nature.
In the mornings, I sip my tea while gazing at the view of Hristos Hill from the back garden. During this time of year, the ground beneath the pine trees is covered with dry grass. These grasses, which turn green in the spring, dry out again with the summer heat, only to turn green once more with the arrival of autumn rains. Yet, a question arises in my mind: Why do we constantly interfere with this natural cycle? Why don’t we just let it be? Isn’t nature more beautiful in its natural state?
The grass that greens and withers on its own reminds us that nature has its own rhythm. Although human interventions may alter this natural cycle, sometimes we should appreciate the beauty of leaving it as it is. While nature continues to exist by its own rules, shaping it according to our desires might be the greatest injustice we do to it. Let nature grow on its own and preserve its own state; because it is much more beautiful that way.
A few years ago, possibly during the first summer of the pandemic, there was a severe drought in Brussels. During that time, all the lawns in the parks dried up completely. It seems no watering was done, likely due to the threat of water scarcity. Many people thought that all the grass would die, requiring replanting. However, when the rains began, everything returned to normal on its own. Nature once again showed that it can recover without human intervention.
For the past few years, a campaign has been running in Brussels under the theme “Let’s pause mowing in May to support biodiversity.” Many people joined this campaign and even extended the period without mowing. This year, the area we left alone bloomed more than in previous years, and bees began to visit. This natural blossoming and diversification not only contributes to the environment but also reminds us of the power of nature. Inspired by this experience, I suggest starting a similar campaign for Büyükada.
Perhaps we, too, could pause mowing in the island’s green areas for a while to support biodiversity. By doing so, we would give nature a chance to renew itself, while also contributing to the development of the flora and fauna around us.