Beyond the Evil Eye: 30 Authentic Turkish Souvenirs for a Memorable Turkey Trip

Planning your trip to Turkey and wondering what to bring home? Forget generic trinkets. The best Turkish souvenirs are steeped in centuries of history, artistry, and daily culture, transforming your home into a gallery of Anatolian charm. From the aromatic spice stalls of Istanbul to the skilled weaving looms of Anatolian villages, each item tells a unique story.

This ultimate guide curates the 30 most authentic Turkish souvenirs to buy, ensuring you find meaningful gifts and timeless mementos. We’ll explore everything from iconic Turkish carpets and evil eye beads to the ritual of Turkish coffee sets and the luxurious comfort of pestemal towels. You'll discover where to find genuine hand-painted ceramics, fragrant spices and saffron, and elegant Ottoman-style kaftans. Whether you're drawn to the glow of mosaic lamps, the strategic play of backgammon sets, or the sweet taste of Turkish Delight, this list covers all budgets and tastes. Dive in to learn not just what to buy in Turkey, but the rich heritage behind each item and where to shop for the best quality in Istanbul's Grand Bazaar, local markets, and artisan workshops across the country.

30 BEST AUTHENTIC TURKISH SOUVENIRS TO BUY IN TURKEY

1. Turkish Delight (Lokum)

Sweet bites of Istanbul's ancient delight.

This iconic, gel-like confection is a cornerstone of Turkish hospitality. Made from starch and sugar, it comes in varieties like rosewater, lemon, and pistachio. A beautifully boxed selection is the perfect edible gift, offering a genuine taste of Ottoman luxury and sweet tradition.

Where to Buy Turkish Delight

Historic confectioners like Hafız Mustafa or Ali Muhiddin Hacı Bekir in Istanbul. Also found fresh in most local bazaars.

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2. Turkish Evil Eye Beads (Nazar Boncuğu)

Protect and charm with a timeless gaze.

More than a beautiful blue glass amulet, the Evil Eye is a profound cultural symbol believed to ward off negative energy. Available as jewelry, keychains, or decorations, it’s a meaningful gift that carries wishes of protection and good fortune.

Where to Buy Turkish Evil Eye Beads

Ubiquitous across all markets. The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul offers endless variety, as do coastal town markets in Bodrum and Fethiye.

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3. Turkish Carpets (Türk Halısı)

Woven stories beneath your feet, forever.

An investment in a centuries-old art form. Each hand-knotted carpet features intricate patterns and vibrant dyes that tell stories of regions, tribes, and nature. It’s a functional heirloom that brings unparalleled warmth and history into any home.

Where to Buy Turkish Carpets

Specialized shops in Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar and Sultanahmet. For authenticity, visit cooperatives in Cappadocia (Avanos) or Hereke.

4. Turkish Mosaic Lamps

Light up your room with stained glass.

These enchanting lamps cast a magical, kaleidoscopic glow. Handmade from hundreds of pieces of colored glass arranged on a frame, they create an atmosphere of warm, romantic mystery, transforming any room into a scene from an Ottoman palace.

Where to Buy Turkish Lamps

Lighting shops in Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar. The city of Gaziantep is also renowned for its master lamp makers.

5. Turkish Pashminas & Shawls

Wrap yourself in soft, colorful warmth.

Crafted from fine wool, silk, or cotton, Turkish pashminas are incredibly soft, lightweight, and versatile. They are often beautifully woven or embroidered, making them an elegant accessory for cooler evenings and a luxurious, practical souvenir.

Where to Buy Turkish Pashminas & Shawls

Textile shops in the Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar. Bursa, the historic silk capital, is a premier source.

6. Turkish Tea Set

Sip friendship from a tulip-shaped glass.

Central to daily Turkish life, the tea set includes a small, waisted glass, a saucer, and a decorative pot. The ritual of serving strong black tea is a sign of friendship and hospitality, making this set a beautiful way to recreate Turkish warmth at home.

Where to Buy Turkish tea Set

Everywhere from local markets to department stores. Find ornate sets in copper or porcelain in the Grand Bazaar.

7. Turkish Coffee Set

Brew tradition, one rich cup daily.

Turkish coffee is a UNESCO-listed cultural heritage. The traditional set includes a "cezve" (pot), finely ground coffee, and small cups. The method involves brewing unfiltered coffee to create a rich foam, often followed by the fun tradition of reading fortunes from the grounds.

Where to Buy Turkish Coffee Set

Beautiful sets in copper, brass, or porcelain in the Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar.

8. Turkish Backgammon (Tavla) Set

Roll the dice on a historic game.

More than a game, backgammon is a national pastime. A fine set, often inlaid with mother-of-pearl, wood marquetry, or leather, is a prized possession. It represents strategy, social connection, and a piece of living Turkish culture you can play.

Where to Buy Turkish Backgammon Set

Game shops in the Grand Bazaar. For high-quality inlaid sets, look for specialized craftsmen in Beyoğlu, Istanbul.

9. Turkish Handmade Soaps

Natural lather with herbs and history.

Made from olive oil, laurel oil, and natural herbs, these traditional soaps are gentle, aromatic, and moisturizing. Scents like olive, lavender, and laurel evoke the clean, refreshing atmosphere of a Turkish hammam, offering a simple slice of self-care.

Where to Buy Turkish Handmade Soaps

Hammam suppliers and local markets. The Spice Bazaar has great options, as do shops in Sultanahmet.

10. Turkish Ceramic Plates & Tiles

Hand-painted beauty for your home.

Inspired by the famous tiles of İznik and the Blue Mosque, these ceramics feature stunning hand-painted floral and geometric motifs in vivid blues, reds, and greens. Each plate or tile is a unique work of art that brings Ottoman grandeur to your walls or table.

Where to Buy Turkish Handmade Sopas

The Arasta Bazaar near the Blue Mosque. For the source, visit workshops in İznik and Kütahya.

11. Turkish Copperware & Brass Items

Gleaming heritage for your modern table.

The rhythmic hammering of coppersmiths is a classic bazaar sound. From ornate "cezves" and trays to decorative pots, Turkish copperware (often tin-lined) is both functional and artistic, connecting you to a timeless culinary and decorative tradition.

Where to Buy Turkish Copperware

The Copper Bazaar (Bakırcılar Çarşısı) in Gaziantep is famous. In Istanbul, find them in the Grand Bazaar.

12. Turkish Spices

Taste the soul of Anatolian cuisine.

The vibrant, fragrant heart of Turkish cooking. Markets overflow with piles of sumac, isot pepper, dried mint, and countless other spices. Bringing them home lets you recreate the authentic flavors of kebabs, mezes, and stews in your own kitchen.

Where to Buy Turkish Spices

Istanbul’s Spice Bazaar (Mısır Çarşısı) is the iconic destination. Also found in any local food market across the country.

13. Turkish Saffron & Herbal Teas

Infuse your cup with golden wellness.

Turkish saffron, from the Safranbolu region, is a precious, high-quality spice. Paired with a vast array of herbal teas like apple, linden, and sage, they represent the country's dedication to natural flavor, health, and the simple pleasure of a warming brew.

Where to Buy Turkish Saffron & Herbal Teas

Spice Bazaar in Istanbul. For saffron, seek out reputable shops in Safranbolu itself.

14. Turkish Silk Products

Luxurious threads of Bursa's legacy.

Bursa was the western terminus of the Silk Road. Products from this luxurious fabric, including scarves, ties, and fabrics, are exceptionally smooth and have a beautiful sheen. They represent a direct link to a rich, historical trade legacy.

Where to Buy Turkish Silk Products

Bursa is the historic source. In Istanbul, find silk in upscale textile shops in the Grand Bazaar.

15. Turkish Jewelry

Adorn yourself with Ottoman-inspired elegance.

Turkish jewelry blends ancient Ottoman motifs with modern design. Look for intricate filigree, hammered gold and silver, and vibrant precious stones. From bold statement pieces to delicate evil eye bracelets, it offers unique adornment for every style.

Where to Buy Turkish Jewelry

The Grand Bazaar’s jewelry quarter is legendary. İstanbul Gold Refinery shops are also reputable for quality gold.

16. Traditional Turkish Music Instruments

Echoes of melodies from old courtyards.

Capture the soulful sound of Turkey. The saz (long-necked lute) is the heart of folk music, the ney (reed flute) is central to Sufi mysticism, and the darbuka (goblet drum) provides irresistible rhythm. Each is a direct connection to a profound musical heritage.

Where to Buy Traditional Turkish Music Instruments

Shops in Istanbul’s Spice Bazaar and the Beyoğlu district. İzmir also has renowned workshops.

Traditional Turkish Music: The Rhythm Of Turkey

17. Turkish Textiles (Fabric)

Fabrics woven with color and centuries.

Beyond finished products, Turkey is a paradise for fabric lovers. You'll find stunning bolts of hand-woven cotton, richly patterned velvets, and elegant tulip-print cloths perfect for upholstery, curtains, or crafting your own creations.

Where to Buy Turkish textile

The Mahmutpaşa district and Grand Bazaar in Istanbul are the go-to destinations for bulk and retail fabric.

18. Turkish Meerschaum Pipes

Carve elegance, smoke a white masterpiece.

Mined in Eskişehir, meerschaum is a rare mineral carved into intricate pipes and sculptures. When smoked, the pipe gradually colors to a golden hue. It represents a unique and highly skilled Turkish craft.

Where to Buy turkish Meerschaum Pipes

Best sourced directly in Eskişehir. In Istanbul, find them in antique and specialty shops in Beyoğlu and the Grand Bazaar.

19. Turkish Leather Goods

Crafted from fine, enduring Turkish hide.

Known for high-quality leather, Turkey produces beautiful jackets, bags, wallets, and gloves. The Laleli and Beyazıt districts in Istanbul are hubs for both ready-made and custom-fitted items, offering great value for craftsmanship.

Where to Buy Turkish Leather Goods

Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar and the districts of Laleli and Beyazıt. Bursa is also famous for its bazaars.

20. Kaftan & Ottoman Style Garments

Wear the grandeur of an empire.

These elegant, flowing garments embody Ottoman style. Modern kaftans are luxurious loungewear or statement pieces, often made from silk, velvet, or cotton with intricate embroidery. They offer a regal and comfortable way to relax in style.

Where to Buy Ottoman Style Garments

High-end boutiques in Istanbul’s Nişantaşı district, as well as specialized shops in the Grand Bazaar.

21. Miniature Ottoman Art

Hold a masterpiece in your palm.

This delicate art form depicts historical scenes, Ottoman sultans, and architecture in tiny, detailed paintings. Often set under a magnifying glass or in small frames, they are fascinating, portable pieces of historical artistry.

Where to Buy Miniature Ottoman Art

Art and antique shops in Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar and Çukurcuma district.

22. Turkish Calligraphy (Hat) Art

Sacred words shaped into visual harmony.

Islamic calligraphy is a revered art in Turkey. Artists transform Arabic verses and prayers into stunning visual compositions using ink and gold leaf on paper or carved wood. It’s a spiritually significant and aesthetically beautiful souvenir.

Where to Buy Turkish Calligraphy Art

Calligraphy shops in the Grand Bazaar and around the Sultanahmet mosque area. Also found in fine art galleries.

23. Turkish Decorative Textiles

Embroidered tales for your walls.

This includes heavily embroidered tablecloths, cushion covers, and wall hangings often featuring motifs from nature or village life. They add an immediate burst of color, texture, and folk art charm to any home’s decor.

Where to Buy Turkish Decorative Textiles

Grand Bazaar textile sections and local markets in smaller towns and villages across Anatolia.

24. Turkish Miniature Monuments

Capture Istanbul's skyline in miniature form.

Charming replicas of Turkey’s iconic landmarks—like the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, or Galata Tower—crafted from metal, ceramic, or resin. They are perfect for creating a memory-filled display shelf of your travels.

Where to Buy Turkish Decorative Textiles

Tourist-oriented shops in Sultanahmet, Eminönü, and the Grand Bazaar.

25. Turkish Hand-Painted Ceramics

Every brushstroke tells a unique story.

Similar to tiles but as functional tableware. Plates, bowls, and mugs are meticulously painted by hand with classic İznik patterns. No two pieces are exactly alike, making your table setting uniquely artistic.

Where to Buy Turkish Handpainted Ceramics

Ceramic shops in the Arasta Bazaar and Grand Bazaar. For workshops, visit Avanos (Cappadocia) and Kütahya.

26. Turkish Kilims (Flat-weave Rugs)

Flat-woven legends of nomadic artistry.

Lighter and more casual than piled carpets, kilims are flat-woven by nomadic tribes. Their bold geometric patterns and symbols are rich with meaning, representing protection, fertility, and tribal identity. They are durable and versatile works of art.

Where to Buy Turksish Rugs

Grand Bazaar, and Cappadocia. Also look in rural markets and cooperatives in central Anatolia.

27. Turkish Towels (Pestemal)

Dry in the plush embrace of Pestemal.

The Turkish hammam towel is a marvel: highly absorbent, quick-drying, lightweight, and compact. Woven from fine cotton, they become softer with each wash and are perfect for the beach, spa, or bath. A pinnacle of practical luxury.

Where to Buy Turkish Towels

Dedicated pestemal shops in the Grand Bazaar and near historical hammams. Brands like Rumeli and Bain & Co. have stores.

28. Turkish Dried Fruits and Nuts

Nature's sweet bounty from Turkish sun.

Turkey's fertile land produces exceptional dried apricots, figs, raisins, and a vast array of nuts like pistachios from Gaziantep and hazelnuts from the Black Sea. They are delicious, healthy snacks and gourmet ingredients, often of superior quality.

Where to Buy Turkish Dried fruits

Istanbul’s Spice Bazaar or any local pazar (weekly market). For bulk, visit Kadıköy market on the Asian side.

29. Turkish Hammam Accessories

Complete your ritual of pure relaxation.

Recreate the luxurious hammam experience at home. Kits include a "kese" (exfoliating mitt), olive oil soap, a copper bath bowl, and a pestemal towel. This is the ultimate souvenir for embracing the Turkish culture of bathing and relaxation.

Where to Buy Turkish Hammamm Accessories

Shops attached to or near historical hammams (like Çemberlitaş) and in the Spice Bazaar.

30. Yemeni (Traditional Turkish Shoes)

Step softly in traditional, comfortable style.

These soft, flat-heeled leather slippers were traditional daily wear. Today, they are colorful, comfortable, and fashionable shoes, often hand-stitched or embroidered. They make for a unique and practical wearable souvenir.

Where to Buy Yemeni, Tradirtional Turkish Shoes

Find them in shoe shops in the Grand Bazaar and in districts like Beyoğlu. Also look in Gaziantep.

Discover the 30 best authentic Turkish souvenirs, from evil eyes & carpets to coffee sets & spices. Learn what to buy, the history behind each, and where to shop in Turkey!