Questioning what to purchase in Turkey as items or souvenirs? Then try these incredible Turkish souvenirs. In my information to souvenirs of Türkiye, I cowl all method of concepts, from sweet and garments to soaps and spices.
Few European international locations, perhaps even the world, can match Turkey in relation to purchasing, bargaining, haggling, consuming, and indulging within the finer issues in life. Procuring in Turkey is just not one thing you do to get objects—it’s an expertise by itself, it’s an exercise.
Each time I’m going to Türkiye, I really like to buy as a result of I can at all times discover so many cool Turkish souvenirs to carry residence. Procuring will be accomplished in each vacation spot in Turkey, particularly within the bustling markets of Istanbul and Izmir.
Native tip: when on the lookout for the perfect souvenirs in Türkiye, you can purchase them from native retailers. Shopping for from locals is a good suggestion for 2 causes. It helps native companies, craftspeople, and artists whilst you get real and genuine Turkish merchandise, which are sometimes handmade – and never made in China.
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Finest Souvenirs From Turkey
Conventional souvenirs from Türkiye adorning your front room as a part of your kitchenware or showcased in your memento shelf are far more significant than amassing kitschy, mass-produced merchandise.
Everytime you take a look at, use, and even devour—when you purchase tea or espresso, these Turkey souvenirs will be capable to take you again to your great time in Türkiye instantly. The phrase “memento” is, in spite of everything, French for “reminiscence.”
In case you’re questioning what to purchase in Turkey, proceed studying to see the perfect items from Türkiye you will get, from carpets and pashminas to spices, cleaning soap, and ceramics.
1. Turkish Carpets
Carpets are simply some of the common merchandise made in Turkey. Yow will discover these quintessentially Turkish crafts all through the nation. Throughout your trip in Türkiye, you’ll most likely meet a carpet salesperson, however bear in mind to make sure you’re shopping for genuine merchandise. (Loads of knock-offs go round on the busy native markets.)
Additionally identified as Anatolian rugs or Turkish rugs, Turkish carpets make for a incredible memento. Though they’re under no circumstances low-cost issues to purchase in Turkey, they’re prime quality and can final a long time. And, after all, they’ll look wonderful in your front room flooring—and even as a novel wall cowl.
Since full-size Turkish carpets are too large to hold in your suitcase, many carpet companies in Türkiye will ship your carpet to your own home.
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2. Pottery From Cappadocia
In case you’re on the lookout for distinctive regional Turkish items, take into account shopping for a crimson clay pottery product in Cappadocia. That is certainly one of Turkey’s most well-known and spectacular locations to go to, so why not commemorate your time there with a conventional selfmade pottery merchandise?
Yow will discover regionally made pottery in Cappadocia in lots of Turkish retailers within the space, whilst you would possibly even have the chance to attempt making your individual pottery!
3. Turkish Tea Set
Whereas espresso is Türkiye’s extra conventional scorching beverage (see under), tea has turn out to be more and more common since World Conflict II. Yow will discover every kind of tea in lots of retailers, markets, and bazaars, from common black and inexperienced teas to natural teas. Apple tea is my favourite.
For a long-lasting memento from Turkey, it’s additionally a good suggestion to purchase a tea-making set, which incorporates the everyday tulip-shaped Turkish tea glasses and a teapot.
4. Adorned Tea Glasses
Turkish teacups are product of glass, not ceramic, and you could find hand-painted and adorned glasses in every single place for an inexpensive value.
Ensure you buy the small plates and spoons that go together with them, as they make a ravishing reward for family and friends again residence.
5. Distinctive Turkish Tea Flavors
Everyone knows about conventional Turkish tea and even apple tea (Elma), however in Sultanahmet, Istanbul particularly, you’ll discover shops that promote all method of varieties of tea, from sleep tea to weight reduction tea! Whether or not it truly works or not is debatable, however it tastes nice!
I’d undoubtedly advocate the raspberry tea; it’s scrumptious. They’ll even shrink-wrap it for you so it’s simpler to pack in your suitcase if you go residence.
6. Halva
Halva is a candy deal with that’s common in Turkey but additionally throughout a lot of the Center East and the Balkans. You’ll discover it in several flavors, however the common vanilla one is the perfect. It’s product of butter, a thick paste, and sugar, with totally different flavors added if you’d like.
It’s a beautiful addition to a glass of tea, and also you’ll discover it in every single place. Nevertheless, try to go for the contemporary sort, which is minimize and weighed in entrance of you, moderately than the boxed model; it’s a lot brisker and tastier.
7. Baklava
Baklava is a conventional Turkish candy you’ll discover in each single Turkish city, resort, and metropolis, and it’s genuinely scrumptious. You possibly can attempt the totally different variations on provide and select your favourite, or go together with the standard sort.
Both approach, ask for it to be packaged up effectively, and you may take it residence. It is going to final for a number of days when you purchase it in your final day. Once more, try to keep away from the boxed model; it’s not tasty in any respect.
8. Cezerye
In case you go to Istanbul specifically, you’ll little doubt see cezerye stacked up in home windows in numerous colors, making an attempt to seize your consideration.
It is a sort of candy that’s totally different to Turkish delight because it’s extra crunchy than comfortable. Nevertheless, it’s scrumptious and is available in all differing kinds. It’s product of coconut, hazelnuts, walnuts, pistachios, and a sugar/honey combination, and it’s a great gift for a vegan good friend or member of the family.
9. Turkish Espresso
Few issues are so ingrained into Turkish tradition as espresso. Consuming espresso is nothing lower than a ritual on this nation, and lovers of the black beverage will discover themselves in absolute espresso heaven right here.
In case you relish your common cup of espresso, don’t go away Türkiye with out a bag of Turkish espresso. That is simply among the best issues to purchase in Turkey, whether or not for your self or these espresso fans in your life. Moreover, an actual cup of Turkish espresso is made in a conventional Turkish espresso pot, so get a kind of, too.
10. Turkish Ceramics
The crafting of beautiful ceramics in Turkey dates again to the 8th century and grew into an enormous trade through the heydays of the Silk Street. Evidently, they’re some of the conventional Turkish handicrafts you’ll discover within the nation.
In actual fact, mosaic lamps and painted ceramics turned such a attribute a part of Türkiye tradition many mosques have been adorned with them. You’ll see them, for instance, on the spectacular Blue Mosque in Istanbul. The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul is a good place to buy for Turkish ceramics, however you’ll additionally discover these lovely merchandise in lots of memento retailers throughout Turkey.
In case you’re on the lookout for Turkish home items that double as souvenirs, conventional ceramic plates, bowls, or mugs are pretty issues to purchase in Türkiye. Simply keep in mind that as a result of the merchandise are handmade, there could also be minor variations of their colours and patterns if you wish to purchase a set of plates or bowls.
11. Firca Ceramic Selcuk
The Firca Ceramic retailer (and workshop) is a must-see when visiting the city of Selçuk, not removed from the historic website of Ephesus! This historic spot is legendary for its lovely and complex ceramics. The expert artisans right here create really one-of-a-kind items which are good for items or your individual residence. You’ll be amazed by the colours and patterns on show if you step inside.
In case you’re fortunate sufficient on the day, you’ll discover Mehmet prepared and accessible to indicate you ways he makes the items from clay – and he might even allow you to attempt to hand it like he let my sons. Even when he isn’t there working, you need to ask to go downstairs to view the glow-in-the-dark ceramics.
Unbelievable.
I bought this bowl from them; although it doesn’t glow in the dead of night, it does look particular in my kitchen. Be sure you haggle for the perfect value – it’s all a part of the enjoyable!
12. Small, Multicolored Bottles
You’ll discover these cute, multicolored glass bottles in every single place, and so they come in several dimensions and shapes. They’re splendid for placing in your window or on a balcony/backyard, and you may put lights in them to indicate off the totally different colours. They’re a terrific reward, and so they’re very low in price.
13. The Evil Eye Bead – Turkish Eye – Nazar Boncugu
In every single place you go in Turkey, you’ll see the Evil Eye. It’s simply some of the widespread Turkish objects you could find. With its darkish blue background and teardrop-shaped white, mild blue, and black eye, this historic glass talisman was utilized in Turkish tradition to thrust back unhealthy luck and evil spirits.
So technically, opposite to what the identify would possibly suggest, the Turkish Evil Eye is just not evil in any respect, however it’s as an alternative an excellent factor. Whereas this has turn out to be some of the ubiquitous and common Turkish souvenirs, it’s additionally nonetheless utilized by many individuals in Turkey, who hold it of their vehicles, places of work, and houses for good luck.
You should purchase the Evil Eye in lots of types, from keyrings to badges and bracelets. They’re low-cost and make nice good-luck items from Türkiye, particularly as a Christmas stocking stuffer.
14. Turkish Smoking Pipe
Whether or not you smoke them or not, Turkish smoking pipes are some of the unbelievable Turkish objects to purchase as a memento. Often called “nargile” in Turkish, water pipes or hookah pipes are as large part of Turkish tradition as espresso, spices, and grilled meals.
And also you don’t should be a smoker to understand the craftsmanship of constructing a conventional Turkish water pipe. Lots of them are completely lovely and make for a novel ornamental piece in your house.
Each time you take a look at your ornamental “nargile,” you’ll bear in mind the place you acquire it and perhaps even how proud you have been to have efficiently negotiated the value.
15. Raki
Many international locations worldwide have their nationwide alcoholic drink; in Turkey, that’s raki. This anise-flavored liquor is offered in almost all liquor shops and most grocery shops, however chances are you’ll avoid wasting cash by choosing up a bottle on the duty-free space on the airport.
It is a nice Turkish reward concept for individuals again residence, particularly since this typical Turkish liquor won’t be straightforward to search out in different international locations. Don’t overlook to get a bottle for your self, too, although!
16. Turkish Tub/Hammam Towels
In case you want an additional towel for the seaside or bathe, you’ll be able to simply choose up a Turkish hammam towels in most of the markets. Whereas extremely sensible and superior in high quality, these bathtub towels from Türkiye are additionally incredible souvenirs. You possibly can proceed to make use of it at residence after your journey! Genuine Turkish bathtub towels are 100% cotton, dry rapidly, and light-weight and compact.
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Ideas for caring to your Turkish towel
Turkish cotton is lauded for its sturdiness and power, with softness and absorbency growing over time when cared for correctly. Earlier than utilizing a Turkish towel, let it soak in chilly water (e.g., a bath) for 12 hours, then wring it out and cling it dry to make it softer and extra absorbent.
When washing the towels, you should definitely machine wash in chilly water with related colours and tumble dry on low or medium warmth – utilizing an excessive amount of warmth may cause the cotton thread to turn out to be brittle and scale back softness.
Keep away from bleach and material softener, as the previous will change colours whereas the latter decreases absorbency; as an alternative, use 1 cup of vinegar as soon as each month to kill micro organism naturally.
What’s higher, Turkish or Egyptian towels
Ultimately, Turkish and Egyptian cotton towels differ in absorbency and drying pace. Whereas each sorts of cotton provide lengthy, absorbent fibers, Egyptian cotton tends to be extra absorbent and slower to dry; Turkish cotton is barely much less absorbent and rapidly dries.
17. Turkish Olive Oil
Turkish olive oil is made out of the olives which are grown within the nation. The oil has a smoother style than these from Italy or Greece. Additionally it is very dense and has a excessive smoke level. Turkish olive oil is good to be used in salad dressings, marinades, and baking. It will also be used for frying or sautéing. The oil has many well being advantages, together with decreasing irritation and levels of cholesterol.
Shopping for Turkish olive oil as a memento offers you greater than only a scrumptious oil. You’re additionally getting a chunk of Turkish tradition and historical past. Turkish olive oil has been produced for hundreds of years from numerous olives, together with the native black Izmir olive.
Shopping for Turkish olive oil is a good way to assist native producers and get a style of the nation’s tradition. It makes one of many nice Turkish reward concepts for foodies and cooks, and it’s certain to be loved by anybody who loves good-quality olive oil.
We discovered Turkish olive oil within the tin once we have been memento purchasing in Izmir. After wrapping it in a assume jumper, I used to be assured that it might have much less likelihood of breaking than the glass jar olive oil choice.
18. Dried Fruits
The beauty of dried fruits from Turkey is that though they’re dry, they’re contemporary – if that is smart! Apricots, pistachios, and figs, to call only a few, are collected at harvest after which dried instantly for the winter months. They’re then utilized in cooking throughout the chilly season till the harvest seems once more.
You should buy these very simply and use them in your individual cooking or magnificence concoctions.
19. Genuine Gold Jewellery
In comparison with many different international locations, the value of gold in Turkey is low, and the standard is exceptionally excessive, with greater carats on provide. You’ll discover numerous jewelers regardless of the place you and they’re going to spend time speaking to you about what you need and displaying you choices. You may additionally be capable to have your individual piece designed.
In case you’re on the lookout for a chunk of jewellery and also you’re heading to Türkiye quickly, definitely wait till you’ve been and look if you could find the next high quality piece at a lower cost in your travels. You may also attempt bargaining for a lower cost.
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Finest Items From Istanbul
Yow will discover quite a few typical Turkish souvenirs all through the nation, however the perfect purchasing in Turkey is in Istanbul. This sprawling metropolis, unfold throughout Europe and Asia, is residence to a number of big markets.
In case you’re questioning the place to purchase souvenirs in Istanbul, locations just like the Grand Bazaar and Spice Market are chock-full of Turkish retailers and stands promoting every part from spices and soaps to clothes and sweet. Under, you’ll discover the perfect souvenirs to purchase in Istanbul.
20. Turkish Delights
Arguably some of the well-known issues to purchase in Türkiye, Turkish delights are incredible to carry residence out of your journey and share with your mates, household, and colleagues. They arrive in quite a lot of tastes, from gummies to full of nuts or fruit. This conventional Turkish sweet is a cubed and coloured jelly, making for a incredible dessert or deal with.
Yow will discover many Turkish delight distributors on the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul. Purchase a field or two full of Turkish delights for the individuals again residence. Typically, you’ll be able to pattern them before you purchase. You would possibly even be capable to negotiate a lower cost when you purchase in bulk.
21. Artwork & Pictures
In case you head to the Galata space of Istanbul notably, you’ll discover some lovely art work to buy, together with pictures. Many of those aren’t costly as they’re created by beginner native artists who wish to get their identify on the market, and also you’ll personal a novel piece to showcase in your home.
Don’t fear about dimension both; most will slot in your case simply, but when not, many shops do ship internationally.
22. Extra Ceramics
Whereas roaming the various purchasing choices in Istanbul, I noticed again and again teal blue-colored bowls, and I actually needed plates to make use of for desserts and salads at my desk. After a lot wandering, I lastly discovered a retailer with six – I needed eight, however alas, nobody had them on this dimension. Rating. So, now these are my new dessert plates. I additionally managed to attain the matching meze platter set as well. One delighted shopper right here.
23. Musical Devices
You don’t should play musical devices for them to look fairly spectacular in your home! Turkish devices have a particular sound, and also you’ll discover smaller variations and full-sized choices on sale in most giant cities and cities. In case you’re in Istanbul, head to the Galata space once more, as that is the place many musical instrument retailers will be discovered.
Try the saz, chalice drums, kaval, and longneck flute to get you began.
24. Turkish Spices
Though you should purchase spices in quite a few locations in Turkey, nothing compares to Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar. When wandering round these sprawling indoor marketplaces, you’ll instantly discover the scent of spices and herbs floating via the air.
Spices are important to Turkish delicacies, as they’re to cooking worldwide. Good seasoning is paramount whether or not you prepare dinner meat, rooster, lamb, fish, seafood, and even when grilling greens. You’ll discover each spice underneath the solar at Istanbul’s Spice Market and Grand Bazaar. There won’t even be a greater place on the planet to purchase contemporary spices than right here.
So sure, so far as well-known issues to purchase in Istanbul go, spices are completely on the checklist. Additionally, take into account buying a pleasant copper spice set to retailer your spices in.
25. E book About Türkiye
In case you’re planning a journey to Turkey and wish to be taught extra in regards to the space earlier than you go, shopping for a e-book is a good concept! In case you didn’t, shopping for a e-book if you arrive can also be nice. There are many titles to select from; we at all times do that on arrival at every new nation to get extra out of the journey and search for new issues to expertise if you’re truly there.
26. Chess Board Set
When in Türkiye, you should definitely purchase a chessboard set as a memento! Not solely are they lovely and complex, however they make for a terrific addition to any residence. Chess is a well-liked sport in Turkey so that you could discover units of all totally different kinds. One can find the proper set whether or not you need one thing conventional or extra fashionable.
Yow will discover Ottoman-style hand-painted chess items on the markets which are really distinctive and thrilling souvenirs from Türkiye. They’re good for any chess fanatic and make a terrific addition to any assortment. The intricate designs and delightful colours will impress anybody who sees them. These items will certainly be a dialog starter and add a contact of luxurious to any residence.
My ten-year-old son likes to play chess, and he noticed these Ottoman vs. Crusaders items on the Arasta Bazaar in Istanbul. He begged for them and ended up utilizing his Christmas cash to purchase them – with the assistance of his Dad, negotiating the perfect value.
27. Backgammon Set
One of the performed video games in Turkey, backgammon, originated within the Center East virtually 5,000 years in the past. It stays extraordinarily common to this present day. Throughout your time in Istanbul, you’ll virtually definitely see locals taking part in backgammon in cafés.
You should purchase your individual backgammon set in memento shops, and also you is likely to be shocked by how delicately and intricately the boards are designed and crafted. A few of them are actual masterpieces of expertise, making them among the best conventional Turkish items and souvenirs to purchase.
28. Handmade Soaps
As well as to Istanbul’s quite a few meals merchandise, there are additionally numerous health and beauty objects which are wonderful Turkish souvenirs. One such merchandise is handmade soaps. These regionally made soaps characterize the centuries-old wellness custom of Turkey’s hammams.
Olive oil soaps are made with premium-quality olive oil together with different extracts. Different such soaps are rose and donkey’s milk. Yow will discover these soaps and many alternative magnificence merchandise at Istanbul’s Spice Market.
29. Turkish Lanterns
Whereas strolling via the bustling Grand Bazaar, simply among the best locations to buy in Istanbul, you’ll see typical Turkish lanterns dangling from the ceilings of many retailers.
These mosaic glass lamps are one of many basic Turkish souvenirs to purchase. They arrive in numerous varieties, colours, and designs; your largest problem might be choosing the one you want most. (You possibly can at all times purchase multiple to embellish your home.)
Yow will discover these lanterns and lamps in lots of Turkish memento retailers, however certainly one of Istanbul’s coated markets is probably the most handy place to purchase one. Keep in mind to ask the seller to wrap it up correctly to forestall it from breaking throughout transport.
30. Pashminas
In case you’re on the lookout for wearable souvenirs from Türkiye, it doesn’t get significantly better than a pashmina. These genuine Turkish scarves are made with a mixture of silk and cashmere, making them extremely comfortable and sturdy.
Be sure to go to a number of locations whereas purchasing in Istanbul for pashminas. They arrive in lots of colours, value factors, and/or material combos. You’ll discover pashmina distributors on the Grand Bazaar and on the streets of Sultanahmet. You may also purchase a pashmina in different locations in Turkey.
31. Leather-based Merchandise
Are you continue to questioning what to purchase in Istanbul? The final merchandise on our checklist, though definitely not the least, is Turkish leather-based. Leather-based is considerably cheaper in Türkiye than in a lot of the Western world, so comparatively talking, it might be some of the cheap issues you should purchase in Turkey.
Most leather-based objects in Turkey are handmade, which means nothing is similar. You’ll get your distinctive piece of leatherware, whether or not it’s a jacket, pockets, belt, bracelet, or purse. That is undoubtedly a incredible Turkish memento concept.
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Ideas For Bargaining In Türkiye
Let’s be trustworthy; bargaining or haggling doesn’t come naturally to most of us. It feels awkward, and you would like the seller would let you know a value you’ll be able to pay. However in lots of markets and bazaars, that’s not the way it works!
If you wish to cut price like a professional, bear in mind these fast ideas:
- Take your time: In case you’re shopping for one thing vital, like a carpet, browse a number of totally different retailers to get a way of what individuals are asking for earlier than you go in there and begin your bargaining. This additionally helps you discover the highest quality
- All the time appear somewhat uninterested: Don’t present that you just actually wish to purchase one thing or that you just’re feeling keen. The seller will put the value up as a result of they know you prefer it! Be cool
- Select what the merchandise is value: However this needs to be what it’s value for you. That’s the perfect beginning place
- Ask for a value first: If you resolve to purchase one thing, ask the seller for a value first. If they are saying, “What do you wish to pay?” hold urgent them for a value. In case you go first, you would possibly find yourself paying approach over what the seller initially anticipated. Allow them to make the primary transfer
- Ask for a reduction for bulk buys: In case you’re going to purchase a number of objects, don’t be afraid to ask for a reduction
- It’s OK to stroll away: In case you’re not getting an inexpensive value otherwise you’ve modified your thoughts, it’s completely OK to say, “Thanks, I would like to consider it,” after which stroll away. You’re not obligated in any approach
SHOPPING IN TURKEY FAQs
Can you purchase souvenirs from Istanbul Airport
Sure, however they’re costly! The Turkish delight they promote within the airport isn’t contemporary or low-cost! You’re much better at doing all of your purchasing within the markets in and across the metropolis than ready till the final minute. That is very true if you wish to purchase Turkish delight.
The place to purchase low-cost souvenirs in Istanbul
You’ll discover numerous small memento retailers round Istanbul, together with in Sultanahmet; nevertheless, that is the place you’ll spend extra. Keep away from Taksim for memento purchasing, too, and as an alternative, go to locations like Besiktas and Kadikoy. You’ll discover much less in the best way of full-on vacationer retailers, however you will see that native and genuine objects you’ll be able to take residence.
What can’t you are taking residence from Türkiye?
So long as you follow your duty-free limits, you’ll be able to take most issues residence with you. Nevertheless, foodstuffs, akin to contemporary meals, meat, cheese, and so forth., might be flagged up if you arrive on the airport.
You also needs to be very cautious when you purchase unfastened tea from any memento store. After all, it’s tea, and it tastes like tea, however it seems like one thing else completely – particularly apple tea, which tends to look somewhat white and powdery. In case you’re shopping for tea, it’s finest to get it in a labeled field so that you don’t get too many questions at customs. You don’t need misunderstandings if you’re making an attempt to get residence!
Is it dependable when a store says they’ll ship to your own home handle?
In case you spend a while discovering a good and reliable retailer, then sure, it’s completely dependable. Objects akin to carpets are sometimes shipped to abroad addresses with no issues in any respect. However don’t simply leap for the primary retailer you see; take your time to make sure you don’t have a foul expertise. Additionally it is a good suggestion to google the store identify – to see what number of (if any) complaints are made in regards to the retailer not honoring the transport requests.
Is it finest to pay by card or money?
In case you’re bargaining, you have to to pay by money. Sure, they’ve card machines, however asking to pay by card received’t win you any followers. Nevertheless, when you’re in a daily retailer with set costs, you’ll be able to pay by card or money with no issues.
Is card cost extensively accepted?
You’ll be capable to pay by card in all giant shops, cafes, and eating places in Istanbul, most of those in different places. Nevertheless, it’s value carrying some change to pay for small objects as not all tiny retailers settle for playing cards or don’t wish to settle for them.
Are ‘real fakes’ worthwhile?
You may get some incredible pretend baggage, hoodies, trainers, and so forth., in Turkey, however verify the standard earlier than committing to purchasing. If it’s a good retailer with good high quality objects, the shopkeeper received’t thoughts you trying intently on the factor, checking zips, and so forth.
I used to be shocked at how actual the fakes regarded. I by no means bought any, however on my flight residence to Zagreb from Istanbul, I noticed many “YSL” and “Louis Vuitton” baggage slug over the shoulders of the passengers.
Hopefully, this lengthy checklist of Turkish souvenirs has helped you resolve which items from Türkiye you’d prefer to carry again out of your journey. Once more, the Turkey purchasing expertise is a spotlight of any go to to the nation, so take your time, browse and cut price, indulge, and revel in!
