The carpets
The carpet is the flagship object of the country. Its history goes back to several centuries and its manufacture answers to an Anatolian craft tradition, transmitted from generation to generation, through women. It is made collectively and is part of the dowry of brides. It is also an essential element of the nomads' furniture. The carpets became decorative elements for the imperial palaces, but also supports of prayer in the places of worship of Islam. Today, they are still widely used. However, their production no longer follows traditions, but rather the logic of the market. In order to protect this traditional craft, the Turkish government has established a program to preserve the manufacture of Turkish rugs. The products sold in specialized stores in Istanbul are generally of very good quality. But sometimes the women you see weaving in front of a store will be there to attract tourists who are fond of folklore.
There are two main categories of carpets(kilim): the knotted carpet and the woven carpet. They are available in wool, cotton or silk.
There is no key region to buy a carpet. Often, small stores offer better prices. What you need to know: the price depends on the material used, also on the number of knots per square centimeter (about 30/cm² for a good carpet); real sumaks are all wool while the less attractive imitations, mixing wool and cotton, remain expensive.
Under a customs agreement between the European Union and Turkey, you will not have to pay customs duty. However, ask the merchant who sells you a carpet for a certificate of origin that proves it was made in Turkey. Without this document, you will be subject to customs duties of 3 to 8 percent, depending on the nature of the item.
The ceramics
The most famous ceramics of Turkey are the ceramics of Iznik, the ancient Nicea, which adorn with their bright colors the most beautiful mosques of Istanbul, Rustem Pasa or Selim Sultan. Inspired by Chinese porcelain of the Ming period, their decoration is originally predominantly white and blue. Several variations of green enrich the color palette. Finally, tomato red will become the emblem of these ceramics. The motifs are inspired by the meticulous observation of nature: the long serrated leaves of saz style which imitate the ornamental details of Central Asia and Iran, the carnation, the tulip, the cypress are adorned with cloudy volutes of Chinese inspiration. The pieces identifiable by the shiny aspect of the lead glaze owe their fame to their beauty. The creations of Iznik know their apogee between the end of the XVth and the XVIIth century. They are hardly made today. After the seventeenth century, the majority of Turkish ceramics and earthenware were made in Kütahya and Avanos in Cappadocia and only reproduced the old patterns and colors that made Iznik famous. Other production centers have developed in Ayvalik, Bursa, Edirne or Istanbul.
Pottery now occupies a place of choice in the stores of Istanbul, you will find them on sale in the carpet merchants. Ceramic tiles and kitchen utensils are very popular with tourists. Pieces made and decorated entirely by hand are obviously the most expensive.
Antiques and fossils
NEVER buy antiques and fossils even if they are on sale in a shop! The trade and export of archaeological objects is strictly forbidden in Turkey. And the authorities are particularly rigorous. You risk a prison sentence and a heavy fine in case of flagrant offence. This also applies to the seller. Although they are often fakes, the risk is to be stopped at the border for verification by an archaeologist. And if the procedure lasts, to miss your plane!
The narghile
There are two kinds of narghile: the decorative object and the smoking object. When buying the latter, it is best to follow these tips: avoid plastic pipes, colored water vases and opt for a metal stand instead of wood. Also remember to buy tobacco rolls and charcoal rings to "light" the narghile. Prices vary depending on the size of the narghile and the material of the pipe.
The spices
Turkish cuisine is rich in flavor and spiced with dry herbs and spices. At the "Mısır çarşısı", the spice market in Istanbul better known as the "Egyptian bazaar", you will find an incredible number of spices of all kinds and colors. However, you should know that a good part of the spices offered are not, or very little, used in the preparation of Turkish recipes. Indeed, exotic spices such as saffron, cardamom or star anise are neither produced in the country nor used in culinary specialties.
On the other hand, here are the main condiments that make up the Turkish menu: oregano and thyme(kekik), mint(nane), sumac (dried wild berry powder that gives a tangy taste to the onions in which it is often incorporated), dill(dere otu), chili flakes(pul biber), cumin(kimyon), black cumin seeds(corek otu). You will find them all mixed with local dishes, in soups, köfte, salads... In addition to their taste, note that these condiments often have health benefits. All the more reason to bring some back from your trip!
Olive oil (zeytin yağı)
Turkey is a major producer of virgin olive oil. The regions of Edremit and Bursa produce the most. Prefer the "sizma" quality. More expensive and better than the "riviera", it is also available flavored with thyme, chili or garlic.
Baklava and loukoums
It is impossible to leave the country without having tasted one of its sweets! You have to sit down in a pastry shop(pastane) to taste baklavas. These pastries filled with walnuts, almonds or pistachios are usually accompanied by a tea. The kadayifs too, these angel hair cakes wrapped around pistachios and walnuts and dipped in sugar syrup, are to be tried. Finally, of course, the famous loukoums. These are soft bites made of starch, sweetened with honey and flavored with rose water, lemon, or pistachio. They are sometimes filled with dried fruits. The whole is covered with powdered sugar.
The rakı
This aniseed brandy is the favorite drink of the Turks during the holidays. They drink it pure (45°) or diluted with a little water. The rakı is sold in bottles of 75 cl or 35 cl.
Meerschaum pipes
These pipes are made in Eskişehir, a city located between Bursa and Ankara. Contrary to popular belief, they are not made from clay, but from magnesia silicate. Seafoam, a soft white mineral, is a porous material and that's the whole point as it absorbs nicotine and filters smoke. This is why you will never see a filter in these pipes. Beige meerschaum is a little less filtering than white meerschaum, but it is more resistant and less expensive. Be aware that the price can vary from one to five times depending on the material.
The musical instruments
Passionate about music, Turkey will delight you. On sale in Galip Dede Caddesi, in the Tünel district of Istanbul, you will find oud (oriental lute), saz (long lute), darbuka (percussion), ney (oblique flute made of reed, used by the dervishes), handmade cymbals... Look out for the three world-famous brands: Istanbul, Bosphorus and Zildjian
The jewels
Gold is of good quality in Turkey and often handcrafted. 18 carat is the most common. Silver jewelry is somewhat less common. And there is a very large selection of semi-precious stones in the country. The jewelry is made in Istanbul and in the eastern region of Mardin.
Traditionally, the Armenian, Assyrian and Jewish communities have been in charge of the whole chain, from manufacturing to distribution. Many jewelry shops belong to them. Jewelry can be found in bazaars and markets, at good prices. In Istanbul, the Grand Bazaar is home to many jewelry stores, but also the street between Hagia Sophia and the Grand Bazaar, as well as Nuruosmaniye Caddesi.
And also..
Tea, brass, henna, the game of tavla (backgammon) and the inevitable nazar boncuk, the Turkish good luck charm. To protect themselves from the evil eye, Turks place this blue eye, usually made of glass paste, everywhere.
