Turkey is a paradise for anyone who loves shopping, especially for souvenirs. From vibrant bazaars to cozy shops down winding alleys, there’s no shortage of options for bringing something special home. Whether you want traditional crafts, exquisite textiles, or delicious food items, you’ll find something that captures the essence of Turkey.
Popular Souvenirs to Buy in Turkey
1. Turkish Carpets and Kilims
No trip to Turkey is complete without admiring the famous Turkish carpets and kilims. They are known for their intricate patterns and high quality. While they can be an investment, it’s a piece of Turkish culture that lasts a lifetime. If you’re worried about carrying one home, many places offer shipping options.
When buying, make sure you’re getting a handmade one, not a machine-made replica. Handmade carpets are usually softer and more unique, with every piece telling its own story based on where and how it was crafted. Don’t be afraid to negotiate; it’s common practice.
2. Turkish Ceramics
You’ll see stunning ceramics in vibrant colors in almost every market or shop. The traditional Iznik tiles and plates are especially popular, with their bold floral patterns. From plates and bowls to decorative tiles, these hand-painted ceramics make great home decor or gifts.
One notable spot for ceramics shopping is Cappadocia. The area is famous for its pottery, and you can even watch artisans make them in local workshops.
3. Turkish Delight and Baklava
If you’ve got a sweet tooth, Turkish delight, or “lokum,” is a great souvenir. It’s soft, chewy, and comes in various flavors like rose, lemon, and pistachio. Make sure you buy from reputable shops to get the best quality. You can also pack some baklava if you’re looking for something a bit richer and flakier.
A great place to buy these treats is the Spice Bazaar in Istanbul. Most shops will offer free samples, so you can taste before purchasing.
4. Spices and Teas
Bring a taste of Turkey home by buying some spices and Turkish tea. Saffron, sumac, and cumin are particularly popular. The Spice Bazaar and Grand Bazaar in Istanbul are both filled with stalls offering spices in bulk.
Apple tea and black tea are also widely available. You can buy them either loose or in tea bags. Pair your teas with one of the delicate Turkish tea glasses for the perfect set.
5. Evil Eye Amulets (“Nazar Boncugu”)
The evil eye amulet, or “nazar boncugu,” is one of Turkey’s oldest and most recognizable symbols. It’s believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck. You’ll find them everywhere, from jewelry to home decor. They make for a light and easy-to-carry souvenir.
If you’re looking for an authentic piece, small family-run stores or markets like the Grand Bazaar are perfect places to browse.
6. Turkish Towels (“Peshtemal”)
Turkish towels, or “peshtemal”, are a perfect blend of tradition, softness, and practicality. They’re thinner than your average towel but super absorbent! They make for an excellent beach or bath towel, and they pack light.
Head to local stores or even small markets to find these in a variety of patterns and colors. Many are handmade using natural cotton, which provides both quality and durability. They’re stylish and useful, making them an ideal gift.
7. Handicrafts, Jewelry, and Copperwares
Turkey is home to many beautiful handicrafts, including handwoven textiles, jewelry, and copper furnishings. Items like inlaid trays, tea sets, or hand-forged copper bowls are popular choices.
If you are after more unique and artistic pieces, explore the smaller markets or workshops, such as artisan shops in Avanos or Urgup, for hand-forged copperware passed down through generations.
Best Markets and Shops for Souvenir Shopping in Turkey
1. Grand Bazaar (Istanbul)
The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul is one of the largest, oldest, and most famous covered markets in the world. You could spend hours—or even days—here, wandering through the maze-like alleys filled with over 4,000 shops. Whether you’re after carpets, genuine leather goods, textiles, spices, or jewelry, it can all be found here.
Bargaining is expected in the Grand Bazaar, so have fun with it. Don’t feel pressured, but a little back-and-forth with vendors can often get you a better price.
2. Spice Bazaar (Istanbul)
If spices, Turkish delights, and teas are more your jam, the Spice Bazaar is where you need to be. Located close to the Eminonu waterfront, this smaller market offers an explosion of colors and aromas. It’s known for its wide selection of spices, dried fruits, teas, and the most fragrant Turkish delight selection in Istanbul.
You can also find some dried vegetables and fruits to bring home, like apricots and figs. The shops are packed tightly, so take your time exploring each one.
3. Arasta Bazaar (Istanbul)
At the back of the famous Blue Mosque, you’ll find the Arasta Bazaar, which is less crowded compared to the Grand Bazaar. Specializing mostly in traditional crafts like ceramics, kilims, and textiles, it’s the perfect place for those looking for something a bit quieter.
The quality of the products is often high here, and it’s less overwhelming than larger markets.
4. Kemeraltı Market (Izmir)
One of the oldest bazaars in Turkey, Kemeraltı Market in Izmir is filled with history. You’ll find traditional Turkish goods, antiques, textiles, and local delicacies. This market has a more local feel, and the prices here tend to be better than in more touristy destinations.
It’s a great spot to have a cup of Turkish coffee and watch the local scene before continuing your shopping spree.
5. Göreme (Cappadocia)
In the heart of Cappadocia, Göreme offers a more intimate shopping experience compared to the larger cities. You’ll find a range of pottery, handmade ceramics, and textiles here. Many artisans operate out of small, family-owned workshops, creating items that are distinctly Cappadocian.
The pottery from Avanos stands out in particular, as the area is known for its terracotta clay. If you’re up for it, some shops even offer pottery-making workshops!
6. Ortaköy (Istanbul)
Ortaköy is another option for those looking for something unique. This area is famous for its jewelry and art shops with a bohemian vibe. There’s a street market along the river every weekend where you can buy handmade goods, quirky accessories, and fashionable clothes made by local designers.
After shopping, relax by the Bosphorus with a plate of “kumpir” (stuffed baked potato) for a classic Ortaköy experience.
Tips for Souvenir Shopping in Turkey
1. Bargaining
In most Turkish markets, haggling is not just allowed but expected. Start at about half of the seller’s initial asking price and work from there. The key is to stay polite, smile, and enjoy the interaction. Just be ready to walk away if you’re not willing to meet a specific price.
However, keep in mind that some items in high-end or fixed-price shops will not have room for negotiation, and it’s best to respect that.
2. Keep Cash Handy
While Turkey is becoming more card-friendly, many smaller markets and stalls still prefer cash. Try to have Turkish Lira on hand, especially for small purchases. ATMs are widely available, but it’s better to carry small bills to avoid hassle.
3. Check for Authenticity
While Turkey is home to a lot of handmade goods of excellent quality, it is also home to a lot of mass-produced items. Don’t hesitate to ask the seller about the origin of the product, especially when buying more expensive items like carpets or jewelry. Getting a certificate of authenticity for larger purchases is a good idea, especially for items like carpets.
4. Shipping Options
If you’re buying large items like carpets or ceramics and you don’t want to carry them home, many shops offer shipping services. Just make sure to ask about the shipping costs and delivery timeframes. Always request a receipt.
Stores in areas like the Grand Bazaar and Göreme in Cappadocia are well-versed in arranging shipments for foreign buyers.
Final Thoughts
Souvenir shopping in Turkey is a fun and exciting part of your trip. From bustling markets in Istanbul to quiet artisan workshops in Cappadocia, there’s a treasure to be discovered in every corner. Just remember to bring your bartering skills, keep some cash handy, and enjoy the search for that perfect piece of Turkey to bring home.
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