Best Turkish Souvenirs To Buy In Istanbul

Istanbul is a treasure trove of cultural, historical, and artistic souvenirs. Here’s a list of 25 popular items to consider:

25 TURKISH SOUVENIRS TO BUY IN ISTANBUL

1. Turkish Delight (Lokum)

• What Gelatinous sweets often flavored with rose, lemon, pistachio, or pomegranate.
• Where Hafız Mustafa or Koska are renowned for quality Turkish delight.
• Why Iconic and versatile gift, often beautifully packaged.

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2. Turkish Baklava

• What Layered pastry filled with nuts and sweetened with syrup.
• Where Shops like Karaköy Güllüoğlu are famous.
• Why Delicious and quintessentially Turkish.

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3. Turkish Tea (Çay)

• What Black tea grown in the Rize region, best served in tulip-shaped glasses.
• Where Spice Bazaar or local tea shops.
• Why A staple of Turkish hospitality.

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4. Turkish Coffee Sets

• What Intricate coffee cups, cezve (coffee pot), and sometimes trays.
• Where Grand Bazaar or Arasta Bazaar.
• Why Perfect for recreating a Turkish coffee experience.

Turkish Coffee: A Journey Through History and Flavor

5. Turkish Spices

• What Sumac, pul biber (red pepper flakes), saffron, and more.
• Where Spice Bazaar or Kurukahveci Mehmet Efendi.
• Why Bring authentic flavors of Turkish cuisine home.

6. Hand-Painted Ceramics

• What Bowls, plates, tiles, and vases with traditional Ottoman patterns.
• Where Iznik shops in the Grand Bazaar.
• Why Stunning, functional art pieces.

7. Turkish Evil Eye (Nazar Boncuğu)

• What Glass amulets believed to ward off evil.
• Where Almost everywhere, but quality ones at artisan shops.
• Why A unique symbol of Turkish culture.

Turkish Evil Eye Beads (Nazar Boncuğu): Meaning, History, and Beliefs

8. Turkish Rugs (Kilim)

• What Handmade, colorful flat-woven rugs.
• Where Grand Bazaar or specialized rug shops like Dhoku.
• Why Authentic craftsmanship with intricate patterns.

9. Turkish Leather Goods

• What Jackets, bags, and wallets.
• Where Leather boutiques in the Grand Bazaar.
• Why Istanbul is known for high-quality leather products.

10. Ottoman Jewelry

• What Rings, necklaces, and earrings inspired by Ottoman designs.
• Where Kapalıçarşı (Covered Bazaar).
• Why Luxurious and steeped in history.

11. Turkish Towels (Peshtemal)

• What Lightweight, absorbent cotton towels traditionally used in hammams.
• Where Arasta Bazaar or specialist textile shops.
• Why Practical and beautiful.

12. Turkish Calligraphy Art

• What Arabic or Ottoman script artworks.
• Where Artisan shops in Sultanahmet.
• Why A sophisticated piece of Islamic art.

13. Turkish Saffron and Herbal Teas

• What Rare and high-quality saffron, linden flower, or apple teas.
• Where Spice Bazaar.
• Why Great for culinary and health benefits.

14. Turkish Carpets

• What Luxurious, handwoven carpets in silk or wool.
• Where Nakkas or other reputable rug dealers.
• Why A timeless souvenir.

15. Turkish Lamps

• What Mosaic lamps with vibrant, multicolored glass.
• Where Grand Bazaar or local shops in Beyoğlu.
• Why Eye-catching home decor.

16. Turkish Natural Olive Oil Soap

• What Handmade soaps infused with olive oil and herbs.
• Where Cosmetic shops in Arasta Bazaar.
• Why Eco-friendly and nourishing.

17. Turkish Dried Fruits and Nuts

• What Figs, apricots, pistachios, and hazelnuts.
• Where Spice Bazaar or gourmet stores.
• Why Healthy and delicious.

18. Iznik Tiles

• What Ceramic tiles with traditional Ottoman motifs.
• Where Artisan shops in Sultanahmet.
• Why Perfect for decorating walls or as coasters.

19. Turkish Hammam Accessories

• What Bath mitts, copper bowls, and fragrant soaps.
• Where Hammam shops in traditional Turkish baths.
• Why Bring a spa experience home.

20. Turkish Musical Instruments

• What Small instruments like the darbuka (drum) or ney (reed flute).
• Where Music shops near Galata.
• Why Unique for music enthusiasts.

21. Bursa Silk Scarves

• What Elegant, high-quality silk scarves.
• Where Textile shops in the Grand Bazaar.
• Why Luxurious and lightweight.

22. Fez Hat

• What Traditional Ottoman-era felt hats.
• Where Vintage shops.
• Why A quirky yet historical keepsake.

23. Miniature Ottoman Art

• What Hand-painted miniatures depicting Ottoman life.
• Where Specialized galleries in Sultanahmet.
• Why Exquisite craftsmanship.

24. Traditional Turkish Shoes (Yemeni)

• What Handmade leather shoes.
• Where Shoemakers in the Grand Bazaar.
• Why Comfortable and stylish.

25. Local Honey and Jams

• What Organic honey, especially from the Black Sea region, and unique jams like fig or rose.
• Where Gourmet shops or local markets.
• Why Sweet reminders of Istanbul.

Enjoy your shopping in Istanbul!