What to Buy from Turkey?
Turkey is a captivating country that bridges East and West, rich in history, culture, and artisanal heritage. From the bustling bazaars of Istanbul to the serene villages of Cappadocia, every corner of the country offers unique treasures waiting to be discovered. Gift-giving is deeply woven into Turkish culture, and the country’s colorful markets make it a paradise for travelers seeking meaningful souvenirs and keepsakes.
Whether you’re looking to bring home a piece of Turkish tradition or find a perfect gift for someone special, Turkey offers an incredible variety of locally made products that reflect its diverse cultural roots. From handcrafted textiles to aromatic delights, these are more than just souvenirs — they’re stories wrapped in beauty and history.
Turkish Delight (Lokum)
Turkish Delight is one of Turkey’s most iconic edible gifts. This chewy, sugar-dusted sweet dates back to the Ottoman Empire and comes in a variety of flavors such as rose, pistachio, pomegranate, and lemon. Lokum is often offered during special occasions, holidays, or as a welcoming gesture in Turkish homes.
Where to Buy Turkish Delight
- Grand Bazaar, Istanbul
- Spice Bazaar, Istanbul
- Kemeralti Market, Izmir
- Kaleiçi Old Town, Antalya
- Kapalıçarşı, Bursa
Handmade Ceramics
Traditional Turkish ceramics, particularly from the town of İznik, are famous for their vibrant colors and intricate patterns. These hand-painted plates, tiles, and bowls are a testament to Ottoman-era artistry and make beautiful home decor gifts.
Where to Buy Handmade Ceramics
- Arasta Bazaar, Istanbul
- Avanos pottery workshops, Cappadocia
- Çini Atölyeleri, Kütahya
- Hisarönü Bazaar, Fethiye
- Bodrum Old Town Markets
Evil Eye (Nazar Boncuğu)
The blue-and-white evil eye charm is believed to protect against bad energy and envy. You’ll find it in various forms including necklaces, bracelets, keychains, wall hangings, and home ornaments. It’s a small yet meaningful gift with deep cultural significance.
Where to Buy Evil Eye Charms
- Beşiktaş Market, Istanbul
- Alsancak Streets, Izmir
- Old Bazaar, Gaziantep
- Kaleiçi Market, Antalya
- Handicraft stalls in Mardin
Turkish Tea Sets
Tea is a daily ritual in Turkish life, and gifting a traditional tea set is like sharing a piece of Turkish hospitality. These sets often include tulip-shaped glasses, saucers, and sometimes a decorative tray. Pair it with locally grown black tea from Rize for an authentic experience.
Where to Buy Turkish Tea Sets
- Eminönü Homeware Shops, Istanbul
- Ankara Castle Souvenir Shops
- Uzungöl Local Markets
- Van Historic Market
- Ortahisar Streets, Trabzon
Kilim Rugs
A kilim is a flat-woven rug that blends art and tradition. These rugs come in various patterns and colors, often representing regional motifs or symbolic meanings. A handmade kilim is a beautiful and durable gift that adds character to any space.
Where to Buy Kilim Rugs
- Göreme Handicraft Shops, Cappadocia
- Uşak Rug Markets
- Şanlıurfa Bedesten Bazaar
- Mardin Art Shops
- Antalya Kaleiçi Boutiques
Turkish Spices
Turkey’s spice culture is rich and aromatic. From sumac to pul biber (crushed red pepper), Turkish spices are essential to the country’s cuisine. Spices make flavorful and compact souvenirs that any food lover would appreciate.
Where to Buy Turkish Spices
- Mısır Çarşısı (Spice Bazaar), Istanbul
- Gaziantep Spice Shops
- Hatay Antakya Market
- Trabzon Local Spice Stalls
- Konya Bedesten Market
Copperware
Copper items, especially coffee pots (cezve) and trays, have been part of Turkish daily life for centuries. These handcrafted items are both functional and decorative. Gifting copperware is like giving a piece of Turkish kitchen heritage.
Where to Buy Copperware
- Gaziantep Bakırcılar Çarşısı
- Beypazarı Historic Shops
- Safranbolu Arasta Bazaar
- Erzincan Handcraft Markets
- Diyarbakır Sur Bazaar
Olive Oil Products
The Aegean region of Turkey is known for its high-quality olives and olive oil. From soap to gourmet oils, olive-based products are natural, fragrant, and make elegant gifts. They are especially popular among those who enjoy eco-friendly and artisanal products.
Where to Buy Olive Oil Products
- Ayvalık Market
- Cunda Island Shops
- Datça Village Boutiques
- Bodrum Organic Markets
- Foça Local Producers
Turkish Scarves and Shawls
Turkish textiles are famed for their craftsmanship, and scarves or shawls made from silk, cotton, or wool are versatile gifts. Patterns often reflect regional heritage, blending elegance with tradition.
Where to Buy Scarves and Shawls
- Bursa Silk Market
- Istanbul Grand Bazaar Textile Stalls
- Mardin Women’s Cooperatives
- Ankara Samanpazarı
- Van Traditional Weaving Shops
Traditional Turkish Jewelry
From silver filigree in Mardin to Ottoman-style rings and bracelets, Turkish jewelry is handcrafted with intricate detail. These pieces often incorporate regional stones like turquoise or amber and are timeless reminders of your journey.
Where to Buy Traditional Jewelry
- Mardin Jewelry Workshops
- Kapalıçarşı, Istanbul
- Gaziantep Old Jewelry Market
- Antalya Historical Bazaar
- İzmir Kemeraltı Jewelry Alleys
Turkish Coffee and Coffee Sets
Turkish coffee is more than a drink — it’s a ritual. A gift set with finely ground Turkish coffee, a cezve (coffee pot), and small porcelain cups makes a thoughtful and authentic present. Don’t forget to include a small box of lokum for the full experience.
Where to Buy Turkish Coffee and Sets
- Kurukahveci Shops in Istanbul
- İzmir Coffee Roasters
- Bursa Historical Markets
- Kahramanmaraş Coffee Boutiques
- Ankara Ulus Bazaar
Handmade Soap and Natural Cosmetics
Regions like Antakya and Ayvalık are famous for their handmade soaps using olive oil, laurel oil, and herbal extracts. These products are not only fragrant and gentle but also speak of centuries-old wellness traditions.
Where to Buy Natural Soaps
- Antakya Local Soap Shops
- Ayvalık Producers Market
- Mersin Coastal Boutiques
- Istanbul Organic Markets
- Artisanal Shops in Datça
Leather Goods
From handcrafted bags to belts and slippers, Turkish leatherwork is known for its quality and durability. Especially in cities like Istanbul and Gaziantep, leather items combine functionality with artistry, making them perfect gifts for style-conscious travelers.
Where to Buy Leather Goods
- Istanbul Grand Bazaar Leather Stalls
- Gaziantep Leather Market
- Eskişehir Handcraft Boutiques
- Bursa Artisan Alleys
- Denizli Leather Shops
Turkish Calligraphy and Miniature Art
For those seeking a cultural and artistic souvenir, Turkish calligraphy and miniature paintings offer a glimpse into the country’s Ottoman-era artistic traditions. These are beautiful, timeless keepsakes that showcase intricate detail and rich heritage.
Where to Buy Artworks
- Istanbul Islamic Arts Galleries
- Konya Mevlana Souvenir Shops
- Edirne Handicraft Corners
- Bursa Culture Streets
- Safranbolu Art Studios
Turkey offers far more than just souvenirs it offers stories, flavors, and memories wrapped in texture and tradition. Whatever you choose to take home, it will serve as a beautiful reminder of a land where hospitality is a way of life, and beauty is found in every detail.
If you’re planning a visit, be sure to explore more in our Turkey Travel Guide and discover hidden gems in our Places to Visit in Turkey articles. Happy travels and joyful gift hunting!
