30 Turkish Souvenirs You Should Bring Home from Turkey

These are the best Turkish souvenirs you should definitely consider buying in Turkey.

From Turkish kilim rugs, and handmade copper items, to leather products and jewelry, we listed for you the best Turkish souvenirs, and traditional products from Turkey, which you should consider bringing home or buy from turkish online shops.

best turkish souvenirs

The best places to buy these Turkish souvenirs, some reliable Turkish online shops, and best cities to shop specific type of souvenirs included in the post.

Check also best Turkish made products to import if you are an importer.

Shopping Turkish souvenirs is a very good idea also as a gift to your loved ones.

Turkish Kilims & Rugs

Turkish Crafts Guide and Handicrafts shops
One of the finest of Turkish Crafts - Kilim Rugs

Turkish Kilim Rugs is our number one pick in Turkish souvenirs. 

Kilim is the general name given to lint-free weaving mats other than carpets. Kilims & Rugs are probably one of the best and most preferred Turkish Souvenirs the visitors bringing home from Turkey.

Kilim Rugs, one of the oldest items that have survived from the past to the present, are considered as one of the oldest crafts and arts in the history of humanity, as well as being cultural ambassadors.

Kilims are one of the most valuable weaving types with their weaving features belonging to the old period and the new period.

Kilim models are quite thin compared to carpets.

The rugs, which emerged as a result of people’s search for a comfortable and warm floor, were woven by the Turks for the first time in history.

What is Kilim?

what is a kilim?what is a kilim?

The lint-free hand-weaving made of wool woven according to the two-thread system is called kilim.

You can learn more about Turkish kilim rugs and also shop kilims here..

There are many styles of Kilims especially known for their production places or motifs in Turkey. 

Kilims may be antique which are the most expensive ones, vintage or modern types. Some types are:

  • Vintage Rugs
  • Vintage Kilims
  • Overdyed Rugs
  • Patchwork Vintage Rugs
  • New Kilims
  • Runner Rugs
  • New Hand-Knotted Rugs
  • Antique Kilims
  • Oversized Vintage Rugs
  • Tulu Rugs

Where you can buy Turkish Kilim Rugs:

Noah's Ark Turkish Kilim Store

  1. Grand Bazaar in Istanbul
  2. Arapgir Kilim – Fatih Istanbul
  3. Kilim.com Online – Ortakoy Istanbul
  4. 5K Rug Store – Fatih Istanbul
  5. Noah’s Ark Kilim Store – Fatih Istanbul

Turkish Kilim Shoes & Bags (Great Turkish Gifts)

30 Best Turkish Souvenirs to Bring Home From Turkey 16
Turkish Kilim Shoes Loafers and Bags

Making of kilim shoes, loafers, slippers and bags is being continued by not many craftmans and workshops in Turkey. 

Buying a pair of Turkish Kilim Shoes or a handmade Turkish handbag as a gift for her is always a good idea.

You can find some cheaper ones since they were made of different materials with kilim designs, or of newly made kilim rugs.

However, try to get some made from vintage or anrique Turkish kilims by expert artisans. This will be really a great gift for your loved one.

The Turkish craft kilim shoes and kilim bags offers you uniqueness since each pair of shoes or each bag or clutch cannot be the same with another one.

Even each one of a pair of vintage kilim shoes are diffrerent due to the fact that they are being handmade by using different parts of the same kilim.

Turkish crafts Kilim shoes
A pair of Women’s Turkish Kilim Shoes

If you are looking for a unique piece of art in fashion these could be your choice.

Where you can buy Turkish Kilim Shoes & Bags:

We have listed some shops where you can find genuine kilim shoes, slippers and bags.

Turkish crafts store in Istanbul
Turkish Crafts Store in Istanbul – Turkish Kilim Shoes
  1. Kilim Arts in Fatih Istanbul
  2. Thelooparts in Izmir
  3. Yunart in fatih Istanbul

Turkish Jewelry Telkari (Filigree) as a Gift

Turkish crafts Telkari Jewelry
Turkish Jewelry Art Telkari

Turkish Jewelry is one of the most famous Turkish Souvenirs with really good reasons. Plenty of styles and materials like silver and gold, availability of handmade items with good prices etc..

Telkari (Filigree) is a handicraft made by knitting or embroidering gold or silver into fine wire. It is a jewelry made by knitting silver or gold into thin wires.

Telkari is the art of ornamenting silver by hand.

In Turkey, it is mostly done in Midyat district of Mardin and Beypazarı district of Ankara today.

You can buy them also online and we are sure it is a nice idea for gifts.

This decorative art was brought to Beypazarı by the Ahi community.

There are more than 100 small workshops dealing with this craft in Beypazari for the last 40-50 years.

A telkari jewelry craft workshop in Turkey
A telkari Craft Workshop in Turkey Source: https://www.aa.com.tr/

Filigree is an art that requires patience and delicacy, which is a pure handicraft.

Masters create a work of art by melting and processing the silver metal in a crucible, connecting two or more thin wires and shaping them.

Also Turkish Jewelry is one of the top Turkish Souvenirs to buy when going back to your country.

Where you can buy Turkish Telkari Jewelry:

We have listed some shops where you can find some best Telkari jewelry handicrafts..

Telkari craft shop Mardin

  1. Sumer Telkari – Midyat Mardin
  2. Midyat Silver – Midyat Mardin
  3. Telkari Sarayi – Midyat Mardin
  4. Ahi Silver – Beypazari Ankara
  5. Mutlu Silver – Beypazari Ankara
  6. Artuklu Telkari – Fatih Istanbul

Mardin is a very beautiful and historical city in South East of Turkey where you will find many workshops and stores for Telkari Turkish Jewelry in Midyat of Mardin. 

Turkish Ceramics / Iznik Tiles

Turkish Ceramics
Turkish Ceramics/Tiles

Turkish tiles, especially the Iznik tiles are one of the most famoud Turkish souvenirs to consider.

Iznik (Nicaea), which has been the capital of many civilizations, was also the capital of Tiles.

This magnificent art came to life in master hands and lived its golden period in the 14th and 15th centuries.

The tiles used in the decoration of many mosques and palaces of the period further increased the magnificence of these structures.

Tile is a type of ceramic that is produced by mixing raw materials such as quartz clay, frit, dolomite, marl, chalk powder in certain proportions, and which is glazed on one or both sides, on which an underglaze and overglaze decoration is applied, and obtained by firing at 850-950 degrees.

Since it contains 80% quartz (Quartz), that is, semi-precious stone minarets, it has entered the ceramic literature as “Impossible Ceramics to Produce”.

How Iznik tiles are made?

Quartz, glass powder and clay are used in the production of Iznik tiles, which take their colors and patterns from the nature of Iznik.

making of iznik tiles

30 Best Turkish Souvenirs to Bring Home From Turkey 17

30 Best Turkish Souvenirs to Bring Home From Turkey 18

After these materials are baked and ground, they are turned into dough, shaped in molds, left to dry for a week, then primed and dried again and baked at 930 degrees.

In the patterning part, the motif drawn on the parchment paper is pierced with a needle and charcoal powder is poured, allowing the pattern to rise onto the plate.

After the painting process, the plates are glazed and fired in an oven at 1000 degrees.

Chinese Temani, Hatai, Golden Horn work, pomegranate patterns, miniatures, Iznik bird, rose and carnation motifs are mostly used in Iznik tiles.

Tile art was registered in the National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2013.

In addition, in order to transfer the art of tile to the next generations, to promote it, to register it in the Intangible Cultural Heritage List of Humanity, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism continues to prepare a file.

Where you can buy Turkish Ceramic/ Iznik Tiles:

We have listed some shops where you can find some best examples of Iznik Tiles..

This time we have selected only the places from the center of Iznik Tiles.. The city of Iznik in Bursa Province.. There are much to see there!

Iznik Tile shops Turkey

  1. Iznik Tile House – Iznik/Bursa
  2. Iznik Vakfi – Iznik/Bursa
  3. Cengizhan Tiles – Iznik/Bursa
  4. Iznik Hunkar Cini – Iznik/Bursa

Turkish Leather Products

30 Best Turkish Souvenirs to Bring Home From Turkey 19
Turkish Leather Products

Turkey is a country full of high quality leather products at affordable prices. Handmade leather wallets and purses can be a good buy for example from a variety of brands and workshops. Leather jackets, coats are also of great quality and cheaper when compared to many other countries.

Let it be handmade or not, Turkish leather products are recommended by us as nice Turkish souvenirs and gifts.

Where you can buy Turkish Leather Products:

You can shop Turkish leather products in Istanbul and other cities and online. There are really great handmade leather products suppliers to pick in Turkey.

leather products from Turkey

  1. Straw Deri
  2. Moria Handmade: Tomtom, Kumbaracı Ykş. 30/A, 34425 Beyoğlu/İstanbul
  3. Pekcan leather: Cankurtaran, Alemdar Cd. No:12, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul
  4. Tower Leather Bag: Şahkulu, Galip Dede Cd. 27/B, 34421 Beyoğlu/İstanbul
  5. Trust Leather: Sultan Ahmet, Küçük Ayasofya Cd. No:8, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul

Discover More around Fatih & Beyoglu.

Copperware | Handmade Copper Items

Turkish copper crafts - handmade copper items
Turkish Copper Items

Producing copper items is a common tradition in many cities in Turkey. Some leading cities in copper items production are: Gaziantep, kahramanmaras, Diyarbakir, Trabzon…

Forging technique is used in the processing of copper.

Forging technique is applied with two different methods called “pitting” and “collecting”.

Embroidery is carried out with “relief” and “staple embroidery” methods.

The motifs drawn with chisel pens are engraved on copper by striking them with blow pens and punches with various motif patterns in their mouths.

Among the products produced are vases, flower pots, trays, basins, teşt, bowls with handles, copper, ashurea, covered dish, cauldron, barbecue, champagne buckets, large-sized tarhana and ice cream cauldrons and various decorative ornaments.

The majority of the products produced are ornaments for touristic purposes.

Copper craft workshop in Trabzon
 
Copper craft workshop in Trabzon

Brass, which is obtained by mixing 70 percent copper and 30 percent zinc, is also processed by coppersmiths with motifs and various products are obtained.

Where you can buy Turkish Copper Crafts:

Here are some shops, and bazaars, markets where you can find some best examples of Handmade copper items..

A view from Gaziantep Turkey Copper Crafts Bazaar
A view from Gaziantep Turkey Copper Crafts Bazaar
  1. Tarihi Bakircilar Carsisi – Izmit/Kocaeli
  2. Kaya Bakircilik /Fatih Istanbul
  3. Gaziantep Copper Bazaar /Gaziantep
  4. Kervancioglu Copper /Gaziantep
  5. Bakır Home Gaziantep
  6. Sonay Copper Crafts / Trabzon
  7. Tarihi Bakırcılar Çarşısı /Trabzon
  8. Hakan Copper/Kahramanmaras
  9. Tanrikulu Copper/Diyarbakir

Mother of Pearl Inlaid Wooden Crafts

Mother of Pearl inlaid wood en crafts Turkey
Mother of Pearl Inlaid Wooden Crafts

The art of mother-of-pearl inlay, basically, is the decoration of the wooden surface with motifs by inlaying light colored mother-of-pearl on dark materials such as wood, tortoise shell and horn, which are chosen in contrast.

It is called in Turkish; Sedef Kakma or Sedef İşçiliği.

A good mother-of-pearl master must also be a good carpenter. Must have knowledge of geometry and mathematics. Must have calligraphy and illumination knowledge. Must be patient and disciplined.

Mother of Pearl inlaid wood items

Where you can buy Turkish Mother of pearl Inlaid Wooden Crafts:

Here are some shops, and markets where you can see and buy wooden crafts with mother of pearl inlay.

  1. Gumustekin / Gaziantep
  2. Sedefkar Bekir/Kayseri
  3. Sedefçiler Çarşısı/Gaziantep
  4. zveg.com backgammon sets mother of pearl inlaid and handcarved

Mosaic Lamps / Popular Turkish Souvenirs

Turkish mosaic lamps
Turkish Mosaic Lamps

There are many features that distinguish mosaic lamps from other designs and lighting systems.

First of all, all of the mosaic lamp models are handcrafted by experienced craftsmen. Paints obtained from natural resins are used.

The most important feature that gives the real value to mosaic designs is the processing of old Turkish cultural and artistic values and all of the motifs reflect the Old Turkish traditions.

The materials used are of high quality and completely original. Of course, everything with handicraft and art is valuable.

Turkish Chandelier Shop

Mosaic lamps have unlimited color and model options.

It can even be custom designed. It consists of different models and colors to be used in every corner of homes and spaces.

You can find mosaic lamps in any color and model you are looking for, as ceiling lighting in living rooms, floor lamps in living rooms, wall sconces and floor lighting.

Where you can buy Turkish Mosaic Lamps/Chandeliers:

You can find different kind of chandeliers, Turkish mosaic lamps at the below listed places & shops:

Mosaic Lamp House Istanbul
Mosaic Lamp House Istanbul
  1. Mosaic Lamps Shop/Istanbul
  2. Giftland Turkey/ Istanbul
  3. Anatolia Lamps/Istanbul
  4. Mosaic Lamp House/Istanbul

Turkish Shoes / Yemeni

yemeni shoes turkey
Turkish Yemeni Shoes

There cannot be a Turkish souvenirs list without traditional Turkish shoes: Yemeni. They are handmade genuine leather shoes made by artisans especially in Gaziantep city for more than thousand years. 

Turkish Yemeni shoes are all natural, healthy and comfortable.

You can buy a pair of Yemeni shoes from between 15-20 USD in Turkey.

They come in a number of styles for men, women and kids.

Where you can buy Turkish Yemeni Shoes:

You can find yemeni shoes mostly in Gaziantep city and some online shops. We recommend to visit Gaziantep and see & try the shoes from many artisan shops.

Turkish yemeni shoes as souvenirs

  1. Yemenici Hayri Usta: Şahinbey, Şehitler Cad. No:64, 27410 Şahinbey/Gaziantep
  2. Yemenici Niyazi Usta
  3. Yemenici Serkan Usta – Gaziantep
  4. Aintap Yemeni Shoes
  5. Visit Gaziantep Bakırcılar Çarşısı and see many here..

Turkish Backgammon & Okey Game Sets

turkish backgammon and okey game sets
Turkish Backgammon & Okey Game Sets

They are very popular games in Turkey. The backgammon and Rummy Cube game sets are produced by some great artisans by using natural woods, mother of Pearl and fligree. The game sets have a large fan base in the World.

Helena Wood Art is one of the top makers of Turkish game sets with premium materials.

They are great gifts and souvenirs you can buy online or from some shops in Istanbul, Hatay and Gaziantep.

Where you can buy Turkish Backgammon & Rummy Cube Okey Game Sets:

where to buy turkish backgammon and okey game sets

  1. Helena – Sedef Dunyasi
  2. Istanbul – Tahtakale
  3. Gaziantep Bakırcılar Çarşısı

Turkish Coffee

turkish coffee
Turkish Coffee

One of the most popular and liked Turkish souvenirs is absolutely Turkish coffee. Kurukahveci Mehmet Efendi is the most popular one, however, there are many brands worth trying.

Get to know more about Turkish coffee  brands then visit Best Turkish Coffee Brands post here.

Where you can shop Turkish Coffee:

  1. Shazel Coffee Website
  2. Kurukahveci Mehmet Efendi Website
  3. Eminonu Istanbul Branch of Mehmetefendi: Tahmis Sokağı 66
    Eminönü 34116 İstanbul
  4. Grand Bazaar Istanbul
  5. Egyptian Bazaar Istanbul
  6. Supermarkets in All Turkey

Turkish Tea

turkish souvenirs turkish tea
Turkish Tea

There is no other nation who drink as much tea as Turks. 

Whereever you go you will be offered Turkish tea. There are some brands which everybody recall when you say Turkish Tea. Caykur Rize is the top one with no doubt. 

Do not ignore Turkish tea while shopping for best Turkish souvenirs.

Where you can shop Turkish Tea:

  1. Almost Everywhere in Turkey
  2. All supermarkets and grocery stores
  3. Online Turkish stores who ship Worldwide
  4. Amazon
  5. Ebay
  6. and more…

Turkish Coffee Cups & Sets

turkish coffee sets
Turkish Coffee sets

If you like drinking Turkish coffee, you should try making it. So you will need cups, coffee pot (Cezve) and a tray. Also you can give a chance to electric turkish coffee makers.

I believe copper Turkish coffee sets, and ceramic cups are unbeatable as Turkish souvenirs to bring home.

Where you can shop Turkish Coffee Sets:

  1. Istanbul Grand Bazaar
  2. Chain Stores like English Home, Karaca, and more
  3. Gaziantep Bakırcılar Çarşısı
  4. and many more place like Etsy, Amazon and Ebay.

Nazar Boncugu - Evil's Eye

Nazar boncugu evil's eye Turkey
Evil's Eye

You can find Evil’s Eye – Nazar Boncugu in many forms and sizes. It is a Souvenir from Turkey used in Jewelry and even homes. You can find it almost everywhere in Turkey. Buying options are limitless.

Other Turkish Souvenirs You Should Give a Chance

Turkish Spices

turkish spices
Spices from Turkey

Why not shopping some Turkish spices when coming back home from Turkey? Go to Egyptian Bazaar, Grand Bazaar or buy from any Turkish grocery. Top recommended spices from Turkey are:

  • Red Pepper
  • Red Pepper Flakes
  • Black Pepper
  • Sumac
  • Thyme
  • Mint
  • Cumin
  • Bay leaf
  • Cinnamon…

Turkish Delight

turkish delight
Turkish Delight

Turkish Delight? It is something you cannot think of a Turkey visit without tasting some. Of course you should buy some for your home and offer to your friends.

You can buy it from almost all popular tourist destinations like Eminonu Istanbul, Grand Bazaar and more..

If you look for best Turkish Delight brands available in supermarkets or grocery stores you can look for brands like Koska..

Samowar

samowar
Samowar

The best way to cook a great Turkish tea. It is totally a joy for lovers of Samowar. Wood fire is use in popular types of samowars in Turkey espcially for gatherings outside of homes like picnics.

It is graet if you ahve a garden or terrace to make a nice Turkish tea with wood fire.Electric samowars exist and popular too, bu there is nothing special with them.

Look for Aluminum, Copper or steel ones operating with wood fire. You will be amazed…

Turkish Cologne (Lemon Cologne, and More)

30 Best Turkish Souvenirs to Bring Home From Turkey 20
Turkish Cologne

Turkish People like Lemon Cologne so much. Not only lemon cologne, but also many fragrances are available and there is a big market in Turkey.

Buy a quality lemon cologne and maybe a few more for you and loved ones.

The brands Eyup Sabri Tuncer, Rebul are some great manufacturers. You can find many different types and brands when you travel around Turkey. There is even Tea Cologne here. Try and pick which is best for you.

Pashmina Scarves Shawls

Pistachios

Hazelnuts

Honey

Jams (Strawberry, Sourcherry, pine cone jam, and more)

Olive Oil from Turkey

Hammam Bath Accessories

Olive Oil Soaps

Handmade Soaps

Handmade Soaps

Turkish Home Textile

Turkish Musical Instrument like Baglama, Kemence, Oud