One of the things I love the most about traveling to another country is buying something traditional
of that place, something that fully represents its culture and history. That way, by the time I go back
home, I'll have something unique and special that will remind me of that place and my days there.
In case that you are wondering what are the best souvenirs you can take back home from Turkey,
then here we'll share great options to choose from and where to find them in Istanbul.
Evil eyes. This is probably the most popular souvenir in the country,
you can find them almost in every store in a vast variety of sizes and shapes.
If you want to protect your possessions from evil thoughts or feelings of others
plus having something from Turkey, then this is the perfect souvenir for you.
Turkish coffee. Another taste you can find anywhere in Turkey is Turkish coffee. However, before
buying it, we recommend you tasting it before just to make sure you will really like it and enjoy it.
The most famous historic seller of it is Kurukahveci Mehmet Efendi
and its main shop is in Eminonu neighborhood near the Egyptian bazaar.
If you buy Turkish coffee, do not forget to purchase a cezve. This is
a small long-handled pot with a pouring lip designed specifically to make Turkish coffee.
it is traditionally made of brass or copper, occasionally also silver or gold.
In more recent times, cezveler are also made from stainless steel, aluminum, or ceramics.
Turkish coffee cups. Turkish coffee is served in a unique and special cup. For that reason,
if you really want to buy Turkish coffee, we also suggest you these sets. They come in
many designs, materials, colors, and patterns, you can choose the one you like the most.
Also, you can find them in a set of two, four, or even six cups.
Lokum in English is also known as Turkish delight. This is also a perfect souvenir for
those who like sweet little treats and a perfect gift to give to friends and family.
These confections based on a gel of starch and sugar can be found in many flavors and sizes.
Premium varieties consist largely of chopped dates, pistachios, hazelnuts, or walnuts bound by
the gel; traditional varieties are often flavored with rose water, mastic, bergamot orange, or lemon.
The delights are often packaged and eaten in small cubes dusted with icing sugar to prevent clinging.
Baklava. If you have a sweet tooth and would like to take back home some treats for later on,
a great option is buying some baklava which is one of the most famous and delicious Turkish desserts.
The best place in Istanbul for good quality baklava is Karakoy Gullouglu,
followed by Hafiz Mustafa. I would definitely suggest any of these places.
Pillow cushions or table runners. For home decoration we also recommend buying pillow
cushions or table runners, this won't take much space in your luggage and will give
that special touch to your house. They can be found in many sizes, traditional Turkish
patterns, and colors. You can choose the one that suits your home better.
Carpets. If you're a fan of textiles, you can also explore Turkey's gorgeous selection of traditional
and modern fabrics. Turkey is also famous for its marvelous and gorgeous carpets and rugs.
You can find a vast variety of sizes, materials designs, patterns, and of course prices.
Almost anywhere in Turkey you will find a carpet seller. Even if you acquire one, they
can ship it to your country. Can you imagine one of these beauties adorning your floor or walls?
Turkish lamps. Another option for home decor are Turkish lamps. I personally love these ones,
they are so pretty and colorful and for sure they will give that unique environment to your house.
If you buy one, just make sure to tell the seller to wrap it up well so that it doesn't
break in your luggage. They come in countless varieties, colors, and designs. Be ready for buying
one because the biggest challenge for you will be choosing the one you like the most.
Spices. Spices are essential to Turkish cuisine and these are absolutely on the souvenir list.
One of the most famous places to find them is in the Spice Bazaar in Istanbul. As soon
as you step in you will immediately notice the scent of spices and herbs everywhere; however,
there are many other places where you can purchase them within the city or the country.
Turkey is one of the largest tea markets in the world. Its population is a big consumer of black
tea and the province of Rize is considered Turkey's tea capital. If you want to take the
flavors of Turkey back home, then this is a perfect option for you as well. We advise you
getting Çaykur tea, you can even find it in any supermarket in small, medium, or large packages.
Turkish tea glasses. The Turkish tea is also served in a tulip-shaped
clear glass and a small plate underneath for making it easier to carry and serve.
Just as a Turkish coffee cup, you can also find them in many different styles,
just make sure to wrap them properly before putting them into your luggage.
Handmade aromatic soaps. If you are into beauty and health items, then we recommend you buying handmade
olive oil soaps, you can also find soaps made of different ingredients and scents but the most
traditional and popular ones are made of premium quality olive oil. Turkey is home to a great number
of olive trees, for that reason, they produce some of the best natural and handmade soaps in the world.
Turkish towels. Turkish bath towels are also perfect for a gift, they are compact, lightweight,
and will definitely save you space in your luggage. These towels are 100% cotton or linen
and have been in use to cover bodies at Turkish baths also known as hamams for almost 600
years. If you go to the beach, a pool, spa, or any similar place, this will be your best companion.
Iznik tiles or pottery. These styles can be found decorating monuments
and religious sites. In Istanbul, you can mainly find them inside the Topkapi Palace,
Sultanahmet mosque also known as blue mosque, and among many other places.
If you are into pottery and ceramic arts, this definitely is your perfect souvenir.
So you already know what souvenirs you can get in Turkey.
We're pretty sure your friends and family will love them.
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