Souvenir Shopping in Turkey: What to Buy and Where
With its rich history and cultural diversity, Turkey offers visitors many souvenirs, each unique to its cities and regions. From Istanbul’s bustling bazaars to Anatolia’s handwoven rugs and the Black Sea’s traditional foods, every corner of Turkey has something special to offer. Whether you’re traveling for leisure or exploring the country’s historic sites, Turkey’s diverse regional souvenirs make for memorable keepsakes and meaningful gifts. This guide will help you discover the best things to buy in Turkey.
Table of Contents
Black Sea Region
| Cities: Trabzon, Rize, Ordu, and Giresun Key Souvenirs: Tea, hazelnuts, wooden crafts, and handmade textiles |
Known for its lush landscapes and fertile soil, the Black Sea region is famous for high-quality tea and hazelnuts. Visit Rize for locally harvested tea, often sold in beautiful packaging perfect for gifts. The Black Sea also produces stunning handmade crafts, including wood-carved objects and knitted socks, which are popular in markets. Other items include local honey and corn-based dishes, giving you a taste of the region’s traditional flavors.
Marmara Region
| Cities: Istanbul, Bursa, Edirne, and Çanakkale Key Souvenirs: Turkish delight, olive oil, silk textiles, and traditional ceramics |
Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar are must-visit destinations for those looking to bring home Turkish delight, spices, and intricate ceramics. In Bursa, the historic capital of the Ottoman Empire, you’ll find silk scarves and textiles, reflecting the city’s silk heritage. Edirne, close to the Greek and Bulgarian borders, is known for its stunning soap and candle crafts, as well as olive oil from the surrounding olive groves.
Aegean Region
| Cities: Izmir, Bodrum, Muğla, and Aydın Key Souvenirs: Olive oil, ceramics, natural cosmetics, and wines |
The Aegean coast is a popular destination for its stunning beaches, ancient ruins, and picturesque towns. Olive oil from this region is especially prized, as are artisanal soaps and cosmetics made from local herbs and oils. Izmir’s local markets are also great places to pick up ceramics painted in traditional blue and white designs. Wine lovers will appreciate bottles from local vineyards, especially from towns like Urla and Sirince, known for their wine production.
Mediterranean Region
| Cities: Antalya, Mersin, Adana, and Hatay Key Souvenirs: Citrus products, jams, rugs, and natural skincare |
With endless sunshine and beaches, the Mediterranean region is famous for its fresh produce, especially oranges and lemons. Citrus jams, including those made from oranges, grapefruits, and lemons, make wonderful gifts. The area is also known for handwoven carpets and natural beauty products made from herbs. In Adana and Hatay, traditional spices and cooking ingredients are also popular, including unique blends and pastes used in local cuisine.
Central Anatolia
| Cities: Ankara, Konya, and Cappadocia (Nevşehir) Key Souvenirs: Pottery, wine, textiles, and Sufi-themed items |
Central Anatolia, home to Turkey’s capital Ankara, and the unique landscape of Cappadocia, is renowned for its historical and spiritual significance. In Cappadocia, you’ll find intricately designed pottery and wines made from indigenous grapes. Konya, the city of Rumi and the Whirling Dervishes offers Sufi-inspired items such as figurines, dervish-themed trinkets, and sweets like Mevlana candy. The region also produces woolen textiles and handwoven carpets, perfect for home decor.
Southeastern Anatolia
| Cities: Gaziantep, Mardin, and Şanlıurfa Key Souvenirs: Baklava, spices, copperware, and pistachios |
This region, steeped in history and ancient traditions, is famous for its culinary delights. Gaziantep is the birthplace of baklava, often made with local pistachios and offers a vast selection of dried fruits and spices. In Mardin, visitors can buy beautiful filigree silver jewelry, handcrafted copper items, and aromatic spices. Urfa, known as the “City of Prophets,” offers local products like pomegranate molasses and deliciously spiced kebabs, perfect for adding a taste of Turkey to your kitchen.
Eastern Anatolia
| Key Souvenirs: Oltu stone jewelry, honey, cheese, and handmade textiles Cities: Van, Erzurum, Kars, and Malatya |
The mountainous landscapes of Eastern Anatolia make this region unique, with its cold climate and high-altitude beauty. Erzurum is known for jewelry crafted from Oltu stone, a rare, semi-precious black stone. Van offers a distinctive variety of honey and traditional Kurdish textiles. Kars, famous for its unique cheese, is a treat for culinary enthusiasts. Malatya’s apricots, both fresh and dried, are also highly popular.
City-Specific Gift Ideas
- Istanbul: Istanbul offers a shopping experience like no other, with its vast selection of Turkish delights, spices, textiles, and ceramics. The Grand Bazaar is a treasure trove of Turkish carpets, evil eye talismans, and silver jewelry, while the Spice Bazaar is perfect for exotic spices and teas.
- Bursa: Known as the “Green City,” Bursa is famous for its silk production and traditional Turkish towels. Visitors can also pick up jars of delicious chestnut honey, olive oil, and handwoven textiles, all with a rich history tied to the Ottoman Empire.
- Izmir: Izmir is known for its stunning coastline and rich history, which is reflected in its local products. Olive oil, soaps, wines, and ceramics from Izmir are beautifully crafted and offer a taste of Aegean life. You’ll also find local jams and dried fruits, perfect for sampling the region’s agriculture.
- Antalya: With its rich history and Mediterranean coastline, Antalya offers handmade carpets, citrus-based jams, natural beauty products, and jewelry inspired by ancient designs.
- Konya: Known for its spiritual connection to Rumi, Konya is the ideal place to find Sufi-inspired items, including dervish figurines, Sufi poetry books, and the traditional Mevlana candy. Konya’s local cuisine is also famous, making items like dried herbs and spices popular souvenirs.
- Gaziantep: Gaziantep’s baklava, often considered the best in Turkey, is made with local pistachios. Copperware, handmade textiles, and a wide variety of spices are also popular, reflecting the city’s culinary heritage.
- Van: Van is famous for its breakfast culture, offering rich honey and cheeses, which make unique gifts. You can also find traditional Kurdish handicrafts, such as woven rugs and jewelry, showcasing the local culture.
Popular Souvenirs for International Tourists
For international tourists, Turkey offers a wide range of beloved items, many of which are found in Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar. Popular choices include:
- Textiles and Carpets: Turkish carpets and kilims are some of the most iconic Turkish souvenirs, reflecting centuries-old craftsmanship and intricate designs.
- Turkish Delight: Found in a wide variety of flavors, Turkish Delight is a favorite for those looking to bring home a taste of Turkey.
- Spices: Visitors love Turkey’s unique spice mixes, including sumac, paprika, cumin, and saffron, which add a distinct flavor to any dish.
- Handmade Ceramics: Traditional Turkish ceramics, with their bright blue and white designs, are perfect for both decorative and practical uses.
- Evil Eye Beads: Symbolizing protection, these beads are found throughout Turkey, making for a meaningful and inexpensive souvenir.
- Jewelry and Silverware: From filigree designs in Mardin to gold and silver in Istanbul, Turkey offers a vast selection of jewelry options for all tastes.
