The ports, cities and harbour towns in Türkiye are full of interesting souvenir shops and artisan stores. If you’re in the mood for shopping or fancy treating yourself, venture further than the international brand and designer stores to discover many wonderful items that are decidedly Turkish. Need inspiration? Here’s a rundown of some of the best gifts from Türkiye.
GREAT GIFTS FROM TURKEY
Nazar Boncuk (Turkish Evil Eye)
After a year that’s been far from normal, pass on a little good luck with a Nazar Boncuk. In Türkiye, it’s believed that these shiny blue amulets with their distinctive eye, will fend off the widely feared “evil-eye”. You may think it’s all superstition, but to many Turks, if anything goes wrong in their life, the Nazar is to blame. You see these fancy eyes everywhere. Hang them at eye level at the entrance of your home to keep away unwanted guests. Buy a necklace or bracelet with an eye-shaped pendant to bring good luck and encourage safe travels, or purchase ceramics with Nazar Boncuk symbols to add interest to your home. Believer or not, these blue eyes are a charming and thoughtful gift, and very typically Turkish.
Nargile / Turkish Smoking Pipes
Many assume the nargile pipe originated in Türkiye, but it actually came to the country from India during the Ottoman Empire. Turks and Arabs smoke shisha socially, filling the pipe with their favourite flavoured tobacco; apple, lemon, pomegranate, mango etc. Smoking a Turkish pipe is enjoyed socially by handing the pipe around in a circle amongst friends. There are lots of bars and cafes in Türkiye that offer nargile pipes to customers. Usually, a trained member of staff will come over with the pipe, some piping hot coals, and a handful of mouthpieces so each person has their own as the pipe is passed around. The coals are kept hot and topped up regularly throughout the evening. Nargile pipes come in many sizes, colours and ornate designs, and they make great ornaments or gifts, even if the receiver is not a smoker.
Turkish Mosaic Lamps
The history of the beautiful mosaic lamps you see in Türkiye is fascinating and dates back to the Ottoman Empire. Back in pre-electric days, candles, oil lamps and primitive torches provided light. A well-lit room was seen as a luxury by the elite so, to impose their status, they ordered artisans to decorate glass bowls for their candles in various colours to create an atmosphere in their palaces and mansions. These designs have evolved, and mosaic lamps were born. Coming in many colourful and intricate patterns, you can now buy stand-alone lamps, candelabras, tea light holders, and pendant lights – all unique, and each creating a different feel for the home. Mosaic lamps are impressive and the ideal gift from Türkiye, providing you ask the vendor to make sure the glass is well padded and wrapped for the journey.
Turkish Gold
If you want to treat someone, jewellery is usually a safe bet. In Turkish culture, gold is the norm. Gold coins or jewellery is traditionally given to a bride and groom at their wedding, and again at the birth of a child. You will find jewellers all over Türkiye, ask us for pointers on the best along the coast. The gold in Türkiye tends to be 18 or 22 carats and of good quality, sold by weight. Prices fluctuate daily, but it is normally possible to get an excellent price for a ring, bracelet or necklace. Bespoke jewellery can also be arranged.
Lemon Cologne
2020 has been a year where we have all had to focus on staying healthy, washing our hands and sanitising. In Türkiye, cologne, with its refreshing scent and cleansing benefits, has been used to freshen up, disinfect and cool-off for centuries. Originally, rose water was used until the 16th Century, but then lemon cologne came to Türkiye and was deemed a far more attractive scent. Lemon cologne has many uses; to repel mosquitoes, treat insect bites, or to cool down during a hot summers day. Lemon cologne is sold everywhere in Türkiye, and especially now as its high alcohol content makes it a great sanitiser, helping keep hands free of germs and viruses.
Olive Oil Soap
Olive oil soap is the most popular soap in Türkiye, and it comes with a tradition dating back more than 600 years. Türkiye is one of the worlds largest producers of olive oil, and soaps made with this natural oil have been used for generations. Although many cheap varieties can be found in supermarkets, the best olive oil soaps are made by hand, and they leave your skin feeling incredible. These soaps are known for their moisturising and healing properties, and they have a distinctive, clean scent reminding you of Turkish spas and hamams.
Turkish Ceramics
Türkiye has a long history of producing beautiful ceramics dating back thousands of years, to pre-historic Anatolia (think the pottery of the Hittites and distinctive ceramic tiles of the Iznik). Pottery has played an important role in everyday life throughout time, and Türkiyes rich and diverse history, it’s Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk, and Ottoman influences have all made their mark on the ceramic and earthenware we see today. Many of the better souvenir stores in Istanbul and along the coast will sell pottery or ceramics based on traditional designs. Alternatively, you can find cheaper versions on the local markets or online.
Backgammon Sets
Backgammon or tavla as it’s known in Türkiye, is a well-loved game played regularly in homes, bars, and tea-houses. Almost every Turkish man you meet (and a lot of ladies) are skilled backgammon players that will put your average player to shame. You can pick up backgammon sets easily, from cheap, mass-produced versions, to beautifully handcrafted wooden and mother of pearl sets that also make great ornaments.
Turkish Leather
Leather goods are a popular gift from Türkiye as the quality is superb, and leather is far cheaper than in many other countries. Beautiful bags, belts, jackets and purses can be purchased from many shops and boutiques in ports and coastal towns, and there are a number of leather workshops and factories you can visit should you wish. Unique items that are designed or made to measure are also available in many areas, ask us where’s best to find leather on your travels.
Turkish Delight
No list of gifts from Türkiye would be complete without mentioning Turkish Delight! Did you read our blog on the origins of this very special sweet treat? If not, CLICK HERE as it’s fascinating. Turkish Delight is adored the world over, and the stuff you get here tastes a whole lot different to the chocolate covered bars with you pick up in Tescos. The best Turkish Delight comes from special stores, where you fill your own box and buy by the kilo. There is a wide variety of flavours on offer, popular choices include the rose and mint, but the walnut filled ones rolled in desiccated coconut are also special. Turkish Delight is a great gift to take home from Türkiye, albeit a predictable one.
Organise a private shopping trip and stock up on your Turkish gifts.
Hopefully, this little list of Turkish gifts has given you inspiration on what souvenirs you could take home from Türkiye. If you would like us to arrange a private shopping trip, please CONTACT US.
