The Top 10 Souvenirs You Must Buy During Your Türkiye Tour

One of the most enjoyable aspects of a holiday is buying unique items that tell the story of the destination’s culture, heritage and cuisine. Much has been written about Türkiye’s East-meets-West lifestyle, ancient ruins, spectacular beaches, delicious cuisine, iconic baths and hospitable locals. Each region has its own story to tell, whether it is the Kağızman long apple and Gruyère cheese heritage of the Kars province in the east of the country or Karabük’s blacksmithing tradition in the north. No matter where you go, you will find exquisite souvenirs that speak to that destination's history.

From the functional to the ornamental, here are the 10 top souvenirs to buy during your Türkiye holiday.

Nazar Boncuğu

Indians will be familiar with the concept of the evil eye and warding it off with gestures or talismans. Türkiye’s nazar boncuğu is a round blue amulet or bead made of glass that features concentric circles or teardrop shapes in dark blue, white, light blue and black colours, occasionally tinged with a yellow/gold edge. Using it is believed to ward off adversity and envy from those wishing you harm. The nazar boncuğu comes in all sorts of trinkets, from necklaces to magnets, and is hung over doorways, attached to babies’ clothing and placed on rearview mirrors in vehicles.

Tea Set

Çay (tea) is a quintessential Turkish drink and is traditionally offered to guests as part of Turkish hospitality. The ritual around making tea is especially delightful. Turkish tea is typically prepared using two stacked teapots called çaydanlık, specifically designed for tea preparation. Water is brought to a boil in the larger lower teapot, and then some of the water is used to fill the smaller teapot on top, where several spoons of loose-leaf tea are steeped, producing tea with a strong flavour. When served, the remaining water is used to dilute the tea individually, giving each person a choice between strong and weak tastes. Tea is drunk from small, tulip-shaped glasses called ince belli, which allows the tea to be enjoyed hot and allows drinkers to appreciate its crimson colour. Visitors should consider buying çaydanlık and ince belli, as well as the charcoal-burning samovar—a traditional tea urn used to prepare high-quality black tea—for their home.

Turkish Carpets

With their unique patterns and eye-catching colours, Turkish rugs and carpets are among the most sought-after souvenir items. The country’s carpet-weaving craft has been preserved for generations, which makes these items a particularly heartfelt souvenir. Turkish rugs, locally known as kilim, are easy to carry and can be purchased in İstanbul. Authentic and handmade carpets and rugs can be slightly expensive, but they are worth the money. The Dhoku store at İstanbul’s Grand Bazaar is one of the best places to shop for them.

Pottery From Cappadocia

The town of Avanos in the Nevşehir province of Cappadocia is home to a pottery tradition that dates back to 2000 BCE, the time of the Hittites. The soft and oily clay sourced from the Kızılırmak River is crafted to make pieces like ashtrays and vases that are coloured in earthy tones and turquoise. If you want to give it a try, call in at a workshop and take up your position before the wheel. What happens next is up to the skills of your hands and the vividness of your imagination. Master potters standing nearby will lend you their support and maybe give you a few pointers. Before you leave, pick up an example or two of the crafter's work as a memento of your time there.

Baklava

Think Turkish sweets and it’s likely that the first thing you will think of is baklava, a sweet pastry made with layers of phyllo dough, syrup and nuts. There are many varieties for you to choose from: fıstıklı baklava (pistachio baklava) is the most common one in Türkiye and is usually cut into squares or small rectangles; kuru baklava (dry baklava) brings out the flavours of the nuts and is covered in a thicker syrup which makes the dessert sweeter and drier than normal baklava; cevizli baklava is walnut baklava that is less sweet than fıstıklı baklava; bülbül yuvası (“nightingale’s nest”) has a circular shape and hollow interior whose centre is stuffed with pistachios or walnuts and doused in syrupy sugar water; while sütlü nuriye is the lightest and wettest of all baklavas as it is topped with milk rather than a syrup, giving the pastry a different colour and lighter feel.  

İznik Ceramics

İznik pottery is named after the town of İznik in Anatolia where it was made from the last quarter of the 15^th century until the end of the 17^th century. While the tradition declined, it never completely went away. In fact, the traditional motifs of İznik tiles, like tulip patterns and turquoise colours, can be found in many historic mosques and palaces in İstanbul, as well as towns like Adana, Bursa and Edirne. Visitors should consider purchasing these exquisite ceramic artworks that come in all kinds of shapes and sizes like plates, bowls, ashtrays and vases. Every time you use them, it will remind you of your Türkiye trip.  

Peshtemal

A peshtemal is a traditional thin towel used in hammams (baths). Originating in Persia, it quickly spread in Ottoman Türkiye and is known for being highly absorbent, drying faster than thicker towels. You can find handwoven peshtemals made from a blend of raw silk, linen and cotton at İstanbul’s Grand Bazaar. Make sure you also buy some olive oil soap to go with it, one of the most used ingredients in Turkish cuisine.

Kolonya

Kolonya has been a treasured symbol of Turkish hospitality and health since the Ottoman Empire, and it’s often described as Turkey’s national scent. Traditionally, this sweet-scented aroma made with fig blossoms, jasmine, rose or citrus ingredients is sprinkled on guests’ hands as they enter homes, hotels and hospitals; when they finish meals at restaurants; or as they gather for religious services. Refreshing in the intense heat of a Turkish summer or when sprayed as a perfume, the cologne also functions as an effective hand-sanitiser, helping kill bacteria and germs. You can find it in perfume shops around the country.

Soğanlı Bebekleri

Skilfully made by village women in the Soğanlı village of Kayseri province, rag dolls are known across the country as Soğanlı bebekleri (“Soğanlı babies”). They are among the region’s most popular and authentic souvenirs, with the fabric carefully fastened around wooden sticks and beautifully embellished with colourful beads and sequins. Decorated with hand-knitted Anatolian motifs, these dolls will be great gifts for your loved ones, especially for any niblings, nieces, nephews or kids in your life.

Yatağan From Denizli

Yatağan swords and knives were indispensable weapons of the Ottoman army. They are an example of excellent craftsmanship and are quite agile due to their sharpness, lightness and small length. Forged using an anvil and hammer and quenched with conventional steel by highly skilled artisans, these slightly curved swords are ideal presents for loved ones interested in history and collectables. You can buy them in Denizli, a city in the Aegean region of Türkiye.