Wondering what to buy in Turkey as gifts or souvenirs? Then check out these fantastic Turkish souvenirs. In my guide to Türkiye souvenirs, I go over a lot of ground, covering everything from clothes and candies to soaps and spices.
Turkey is unparalleled in terms of dining, shopping, bargaining, haggling, and savoring life’s finer things compared to most European countries, if not the entire globe. In Turkey, going shopping is more of an experience and an activity than a means of making purchases.
Every time I travel to Turkey, I like to go shopping because there are so many amazing Turkish souvenirs to pick from. Shopping can be done in every destination in Turkey, especially in the bustling markets of Istanbul and Izmir.
Local tip: when looking for the best souvenirs in Türkiye, you should buy them from local shops. Buying from locals is a good idea for two reasons. It offers real and authentic Turkish goods, many of which are handmade rather than produced in China, and it also supports local businesses, artists, and craftspeople.
Hey there fellow travelers!
If you’re thinking about taking a trip to Turkey and aren’t sure what to buy as mementos, look no further! Turkey is a veritable gold mine of gorgeous and distinctive goods, ranging from delectable treats to traditional handicrafts.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the world of Turkish souvenirs, covering everything from the best places to shop to the must-have items you won’t want to miss.
So fasten your seatbelts and get ready to explore all that Turkey has to offer!
Where to Shop for Turkish Souvenirs
Turkey is a shopper’s paradise with bustling markets and charming shops offering a wide variety of goods. Here are some of the best places to find unique souvenirs:
- Grand Bazaar and Spice Market in Istanbul: These iconic markets are a must-visit for any tourist. You’ll find everything from carpets and ceramics to spices and sweets.
- Local markets in other cities: Each city in Turkey has its own unique market where you can find local crafts and souvenirs.
- Small shops and boutiques: Many small shops and boutiques offer unique and handcrafted items that you won’t find anywhere else.
What to Buy in Turkey
Now let’s dive into the exciting world of Turkish souvenirs! Here are some of the must-have items you’ll want to consider:
1. Turkish Carpets:
Turkish carpets are world-renowned for their intricate designs and high quality. They make a stunning addition to any home and are a timeless souvenir.
2. Pottery from Cappadocia:
Cappadocia is famous for its unique red clay pottery. You’ll find a wide variety of items, from decorative plates to functional bowls.
3. Turkish Tea Set:
Turks are avid tea drinkers, and a traditional tea set is a perfect souvenir. You’ll find beautiful sets with intricate designs and delicate glasses.
4. Decorated Tea Glasses:
Turkish tea glasses are made of glass and often hand-painted with beautiful designs. They make a lovely and affordable gift.
5. Unique Turkish Tea Flavors:
Turkey offers a wide variety of tea flavors, from apple to raspberry. Try something new and take home a unique tea blend.
6. Halva:
Halva is a sweet treat made with butter, sugar, and nuts. It’s a delicious and popular souvenir.
7. Baklava:
Baklava is a flaky pastry filled with nuts and honey. It’s a classic Turkish dessert that you won’t want to miss.
8. Cezerye:
Cezerye is a chewy candy made with coconut, nuts, and sugar. It’s a unique and delicious treat.
9. Turkish Coffee:
Turkish coffee is strong and flavorful. Bring home a bag of coffee beans or a traditional coffee pot.
10. Turkish Ceramics:
Turkish ceramics are known for their beautiful designs and intricate patterns. You’ll find a wide variety of items, from plates to bowls to decorative tiles.
11. Firca Ceramic Selçuk:
This unique shop in Selçuk offers stunning hand-painted ceramics. You’ll find everything from decorative plates to functional mugs.
12. Small, Multicolored Bottles:
These colorful glass bottles are a popular souvenir. They make a great decorative item or can be used as vases.
13. The Evil Eye Bead:
The Evil Eye is a traditional Turkish talisman that is believed to ward off bad luck. You’ll find it in various forms, from keychains to bracelets.
14. Turkish Smoking Pipe:
Turkish smoking pipes, known as “nargile,” are a unique and beautiful souvenir. They make a great decorative item or can be used for smoking.
15. Raki:
Raki is the national alcoholic drink of Turkey. It’s an anise-flavored liquor that makes a unique gift.
16. Turkish Bath Towels:
Turkish bath towels are known for their softness and absorbency. They make a practical and luxurious souvenir.
17. Turkish Olive Oil:
Turkish olive oil is of high quality and has a smooth taste. It’s a great souvenir for cooking or as a gift.
18. Dried Fruits:
Turkey is famous for its dried fruits, such as apricots, figs, and pistachios. They make a healthy and delicious snack.
19. Authentic Gold Jewelry:
Turkey is known for its high-quality gold jewelry. You’ll find a wide variety of designs and styles at affordable prices.
20. Turkish Delights:
Turkish delights are a popular sweet treat made with jelly and sugar. They come in a variety of flavors and are a great gift.
21. Art & Photographs:
Turkey is home to many talented artists. You’ll find beautiful artwork and photographs to take home as souvenirs.
22. More Ceramics:
Turkey offers a wide variety of ceramic items, from plates to bowls to decorative tiles. You’re sure to find something unique to take home.
23. Musical Instruments:
Turkish musical instruments are known for their unique sound and beautiful designs. You’ll find a variety of instruments, from the saz to the kaval.
24. Turkish Spices:
Turkish cuisine is known for its use of spices. You’ll find a wide variety of spices at the Grand Bazaar and Spice Market in Istanbul.
25. Book About Turkey:
A book about Turkey is a great way to learn more about the country and its culture. You’ll find a variety of books to choose from, covering history, travel, and cuisine.
26. Chess Board Set:
Turkey is a great place to buy a chess board set. You’ll find beautiful and intricate sets made with high-quality materials.
27. Backgammon Set:
Backgammon is a popular game in Turkey. You’ll find beautiful and unique backgammon sets to take home as souvenirs.
28. Handmade Soaps:
Turkish handmade soaps are made with natural ingredients and are a great way to pamper yourself.
29. Turkish Lanterns:
Turkish lanterns are a beautiful and unique souvenir. They come in a variety of colors and designs.
30. Pashminas:
Pashminas are soft and luxurious scarves made with silk and cashmere. They make a great gift for any woman.
31. Leather Products:
Turkey is known for its high-quality leather goods. You’ll find a variety of leather items, from jackets to wallets to belts.
Tips for Bargaining in Turkey
Bargaining is a common practice in Turkey. Here are some tips to help you get the best deal:
- Take your time and don’t rush into a purchase.
- Be polite and respectful, even if you don’t agree with the price.
- Don’t be afraid to walk away if you don’t get a fair price.
- Ask for a discount if you’re buying multiple items.
Turkey is a treasure trove of unique and beautiful souvenirs. With so many options to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect items to take home as a reminder of your trip.
So, start planning your shopping spree and get ready to discover the best of what Turkey has to offer!
Happy shopping!
1 Small, Multicolored Bottles
You’ll find these cute, multicolored glass bottles everywhere, and they come in different sizes and shapes. They look great in windows, on balconies, or in gardens, and you can add lights to them to bring out the different colors. They’re a great gift, and they’re very low in cost.
2 Art & Photographs
You can purchase some really beautiful pieces of art, including photography, in Istanbul’s Galata neighborhood. You can own a unique piece to showcase in your home because many of these are created by up-and-coming local artists, and many of them are reasonably priced.
Additionally, don’t worry about size—the majority will fit in your case with ease. If not, however, a lot of retailers ship abroad.
While browsing Istanbul’s many shopping options, I kept seeing teal blue bowls, and I really wanted to have salad and dessert plates on my table. After much searching, I finally found a store that had six; sadly, none had them in this size, so I wanted eight. Score. So, now these are my new dessert plates. I also managed to score the matching meze platter set to boot. One delighted shopper here.
Turkish instruments have a distinct sound, and most large towns and cities sell both full-sized and smaller versions. You don’t need to be a musician to enjoy how great they look in your house! When you visit Istanbul again, be sure to check out the Galata neighborhood, which is home to many shops that sell musical instruments.
Check out the saz, chalice drums, kaval, and longneck flute to get you started.
Although you can buy spices all over Turkey, none are quite like Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar. The aroma of spices and herbs wafting through these expansive indoor marketplaces is sure to catch your attention.
Spices are essential to Turkish cuisine, as they are to cooking worldwide. Good seasoning is paramount whether you cook meat, chicken, lamb, fish, seafood, or even when grilling vegetables. You’ll find every spice under the sun at Istanbul’s Spice Market and Grand Bazaar. There might not even be a better place on the planet to buy fresh spices than here.
So yes, as far as famous things to buy in Istanbul go, spices are absolutely on the list. Also, consider purchasing a nice copper spice set to store your spices in.
Top 5 Must-Buy Turkish Souvenirs to Bring Home | Your Ultimate Guide!
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