Turkey, with its rich history and culture, attracts tourists from around the world to explore its ancient monuments, resorts and the warm hospitality of its locals. While this is well-documented, what does Turkey offer to a first-time visitor? Someone who ventures daily into the streets of this unfamiliar land to see, taste, learn and experience something new? And, of course, to take home a piece of cherished memories.
One of the most enjoyable aspects of travelling is buying souvenirs and gifts. Let's explore the items you should consider bringing back from Turkey as proof of your visit.
- Turkish Sweets: From traditional delights like rahat lokum and baklava to more exotic desserts, stepping into a local confectionery immerses you in a world of aromas and flavours. Each visit unveils exhibition-like rooms filled with sweet splendours, from light pistachio treats to exquisite baklava. The variety is nearly endless! Don't forget to try famous Turkish desserts like lokum and halva, along with unique additions like pomegranate sauce or mulberry syrup – they make delightful enhancements to your sweet treats. Yes, the sweets may disappear quickly, but the memories linger!
- Ceramics and Glassware: Turkey is renowned for its beautiful dishes, vases, figurines and wall panels. Take note of the colourful ceramics – they’re both vibrant and unique, providing a chic option to decorate your shelves and enliven your interior. Moreover, Turkish tableware is not only decorative but also functional, serving both daily and festive culinary needs.
- Carpets and Kilims: Many of these are true works of art. In specialised stores boasting the world's most varied assortment, you can feel carpets from different regions of the country, each with its unique design and crafting technique. While carpets are no longer a staple on our walls, why not bring them back? They represent a light touch of multiculturalism in your decor, reflecting the traveller's openness to new experiences. Turkish wool carpets, handmade, are not only beautiful but also practical – known for their durability and suitable for any home.
- Turkish Leather: A wide array of bags, wallets, belts and even jackets are crafted from natural leather. You also can find handcrafted bags adorned with traditional Turkish patterns.
- Jewellery: The country boasts stunning and high-quality jewellery. You’ll be spoiled for choice with earrings, bracelets, rings and necklaces in silver and gold, both with and without precious stones. Take note of pieces with Turkish designs – they're exceptionally original. If you love jewellery, Turkey is a paradise! The country has a plethora of shops selling expertly crafted pieces by private artisans. Whether it's diamonds, emeralds or rubies – you can choose your dream stone in the perfect setting! These pieces aren’t just lovely souvenirs but also investments that will bring you joy for many years. But be careful! It's easy to spend your entire vacation budget in these captivating jewellery shops.
- Traditional Souvenirs: Common gifts encompass traditional fezzes, hookahs, backgammon sets and other items intricately connected to the country's rich culture and history. While similar items might be available elsewhere, they often lack the authentic Turkish spirit.
- Honey and Spices: Markets and speciality stores offer various types of honey – floral, acacia or mountain. Don't miss the experience of trying Turkish aromatic spices, including cumin, coriander and many more. These make excellent gifts for cooking enthusiasts, infusing unique flavours into dishes. Turkish markets boast a rich spice variety, encompassing exotic options like sumac, za'atar and harissa. Try them – these new tastes are worth it.
- Wine and Raki: For those interested in alcoholic beverages, explore local wine and anise-flavoured raki, each offering unique flavours and aromas. Traditional hot dishes like pilaf, kebab, kokorec, chorba and dolma make for great accompaniments. You might find the local cuisine so delightful that you’ll contemplate having a cosy apartment in Turkey to savour these dishes every day!
- Tea Sets. Given the integral role of tea in Turkish culture, sets featuring a Turkish samovar and glass cups make excellent gifts for tea enthusiasts.
- Souvenirs with Turkish tally patterns. This traditional motif is applied to a variety of items, representing cultural heritage and craftsmanship. You may find bracelets, pendants, artworks or key holders adorned with this distinctive pattern.
The list of unique gifts you can bring back from Turkey could be much longer. The key is to choose something that reflects the spirit and culture of this beautiful country, leaving you with vivid memories of your trip.
What are some less traditional, but more practical and everyday items worth buying on your journey?
If you're a fan of fashion and style, take a look at Turkish clothing and accessories. The country excels in following trends and creating unique wardrobe items. So, don't miss the chance to buy unique pieces that will highlight your individuality and add a touch of flair to any look. We're here to assist with a selection of shops:
- LC Waikiki – a popular Turkish brand offering clothing for the whole family. You can find LC Waikiki stores all over the country.
- Koton – another well-known local brand, offering a wide range of clothing, accessories and footwear for women, men and children.
- Mavi – a fashionable brand specialising in stylish and high-quality clothing for men and women.
- DeFacto – a popular chain of stores for clothing, footwear and accessories.
- İpekyol – a brand of stylish women's clothing and accessories.
- FLO – a youth clothing store where you can find comfortable and affordable items.
- Boyner – a department store with a wide range, including clothing, footwear, accessories, home goods and electronics.
- Istanbul Fashion Centre – a vast shopping centre in Istanbul, featuring numerous local and international brands.
- Gratis – a chain of everyday clothing stores for the whole family at affordable prices.
And, of course, don't forget about the traditional tea spices. Yes, tea spices. Turkey is the birthplace of numerous splendid dishes and drinks and adding authentic spices will make your culinary experiments truly special. Be sure to purchase a mix of Zahar spices, an essential component of the delicious and aromatic tea enjoyed by locals and tourists alike.
You might find the local shops, customs and culture so enchanting that you'll want to buy property in Turkey. Our website's catalogue has numerous options available for purchase. Our consultants are ready to address all your questions about relocating, buying a house or apartment and the country's visa policy.