5 Traditional Gifts To Buy From Istanbul

Gokce Nacar

Sep 23 885 read

5 Traditional Gifts To Buy From Istanbul

Who'd have guessed that shopping in Istanbul could be so much fun? There are many opportunities and presents in Istanbul that you can purchase for your friends and loved ones that will leave an impression in their hearts, making them excited to learn about your experiences in the city and come one day with you to enjoy the most beautiful moments!

Istanbul has a vast variety of souvenirs that you can purchase and bring back to your home country to give as precious and delicious presents to associates and relatives, whether it's famous handicrafts, goods, and handcrafted items in Istanbul or famous food in Istanbul, and the options for purchasing these types of gifts are endless.

Kilims and Carpets

As you walk through the Grand Bazaar's carpet market, you'll be hit by the vibrant colors of the carpets and kilims on sale. As a souvenir, you would undoubtedly want to purchase Turkish carpets and kilims to add an oriental touch to your living room.

The ancient art of weaving decorative Turkish carpets is a long-standing tradition in Turkey that represents a part of its Ottoman civilization. It is a craft that is handed on from generation to generation. Each area of Turkey has its own carpet style, and examples of all styles of Turkish carpets can be found in the Grand Bazaar. Kilims are one of the more traditional versions and they are woven in a variety of sizes, the most common and simplest to pack in a travel bag being 2x1 meters or smaller.

Iznik Tiles

Istanbul has been known since Ottoman times for its manufacture of Iznik tiles, which are colored pieces of tile or ceramic in dark red and blue colors, and are still seen in ancient historical mosques and museums as a witness to the brightest historical eras. Turkey still has many craftsmen who preserve this ancient industry that has been passed down over generations. You can find many Iznik Tiles in Topkapi Palace!

Hookah

In Turkey, smoking hookah to pass the time is still a common pastime. A hookah in your home will not only provide an oriental touch to your furniture, but it will also have a unique way to converse with your guests, particularly though they aren't casual smokers. Hundreds of shisha shops can be found in the Grand Bazaar. Hookahs with bright inscriptions and numerous distinct motifs, similar to candles, can be found there.

Turkish Delights (Lokum)

Lokum is regarded as the emblem of Istanbul desserts. Lokum is an ideal souvenir to purchase from the Grand Bazaar because it encourages the friends and family back home to sample one of Turkey's most distinctive sweets. Many shops in the Grand Bazaar market these western sweets in a variety of shapes and flavors. We suggest that you sample various flavors before purchasing them so that you can haggle for the final price. You can buy the best lokum in the Beyoglu district’s sweet streets!

Turkish Lambs

If you like light and vivid colors, Turkish lamps are a great souvenir. In general, Turkish lamps are the most popular decoration feature in Grand Bazaar shops. From the smallest to those that are office-style, similar to candlesticks or vases, they come in every color, pattern, style, form, and scale.

As you walk down the Grand Bazaar's halls, you'll find that it's totally dim, which draws your attention to the vibrant colors of the lamps and encourages you to purchase them as a souvenir.