What to bring from Turkey? In Turkish markets and shops, there is a huge assortment of goods that you can buy for yourself and for your friends and relatives. We will tell you how to understand all the diversity and how you can please your friends. To return with great holiday memories and souvenirs from this eastern country, there are some tips to follow. When buying a gift, you need to see if there is an inscription “Made in China” on it. You can buy a Chinese souvenir without leaving anywhere. Why do you need a thing that will not be genuinely Turkish? Pay close attention to local products only. Below is a list of the most popular products that can be bought at a very affordable price.
Coffee
Coffee does not grow here, but over the centuries this drink has become so traditional that in 2013 it was included in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List. Now Turkey is teaching the whole world how to cook it properly. The ritual of leisurely communication over a cup of coffee has become a symbol of hospitality and friendship. For the first time, they learned about this drink in Istanbul in 1555, a year later, public coffee houses began to open and since then it has firmly entered the ceremonies of the Ottoman Empire.
Turkish coffee can be recognized by its fine grind, bright taste and delicate creamy foam. The authentic drink is brewed in copper cezve, and a pan with sand is used for heating, which is heated over coals. Pure water is served with a cup of coffee. It is needed in order to first remove the taste of food, and then fully enjoy the noble drink. It is not surprising that Turkish coffee is considered one of the most popular souvenirs among tourists. For a gift to loved ones, it is better to purchase not one large package, but several small ones in order to preserve a unique aroma.
Tea
The country has known tea for a long time, since the days of the Great Silk Road, when camel caravans carried precious cargo through Asia Minor. But then the drink didn't catch on. He was remembered already in the 19th century, when the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire wished to have his own tea plantations. The first experiment was unsuccessful, the site was poorly chosen, and the plants died. The second attempt was made already in the 1920s in the east of the Black Sea. Until now, all the tea that Turkey produces grows in this area.
After 45 years, the market was saturated and the export of this drink began. Now he is extremely popular. Turks drink tea many times a day. In families, the kettle is on fire almost all the time. Drinking 20-30 cups of an aromatic drink is far from the limit. It is brewed in a special way in special teapots, one, smaller, is filled with tea leaves and inserted into the other, with boiling water.
The tea in the upper vessel is steamed and fully reveals its aroma. They drink it from small glass glasses, narrowed at the top. This is necessary to keep the drink hot for as long as possible. Tea drinking has become a tradition, and wherever you go, you will be offered a cup of aromatic tea. This sentence will follow immediately after the standard “how are you?” Question. Usually it is prepared very strong, so an unusual European should ask for a "light" drink.
Eastern sweets
It is impossible not to taste local sweets. This country is famous for a huge variety of desserts that will delight even the most discerning sweet tooth. Many tourists bring with them not only delicacies, but also extra pounds.
Kadaif is a delicate cake made from thin dough cut into very fine strips. It is baked in syrup and almonds are added. Decorate this crunchy treat with a drop of jam or whipped cream and serve it with coffee.
Baklava - one of the most popular desserts is something like a gingerbread with nuts and honey. Baklava can also be purchased in Russia, but it is much tastier in Turkey. At first glance, making it is easy, but this skill is available only to experienced craftsmen. The main difficulty is that the baklava dough must be rolled very thinly so that the pattern on the pastry chef's table can be seen through each layer.
Pishmanie looks like small balls of thread, and tastes like a cross between cotton candy and halva. This delicacy is made from sugar syrup, which is turned into fine fibers. In some establishments, you can watch pastry chefs who create the finest threads from boiled thick syrup.
Turkish delight - this dessert is well known to us, but it is worth trying the local production. The recipe for the treat is over 500 years old. It is made from sugar and water with the addition of starch, and rose petal extract is used for taste and aroma.
Pomegranate sauce
An excellent tasty souvenir will be pomegranate sauce. The history of its origin goes back far into the past; it was used as a seasoning even in the kitchen of the Sultan's palace. Pomegranate sauce is a juice boiled down to a thick syrup, especially good because it has a completely natural composition. Spices are often added to it, the thickener is starch.
The sauce is used for dressing salads, added to marinades, it is successfully combined with meat. It has a characteristic spicy sour taste with a sweet aftertaste. This is not only a delicious gift, but also very useful. Pomegranate increases hemoglobin well, strengthens the immune system and saturates the body with vitamins. You can buy pomegranate sauce at the store, or at the market where it is sold in bulk.
In this case, you can be sure that it was cooked in the household. Homemade sauce tastes better than its industrial counterpart, and it is also thicker and more flavorful. It is used very sparingly - it is enough to add just one teaspoon to the salad.
Spice
No tourist will miss a visit to the oriental bazaar. The first thing that catches your eye is the incredible abundance of spices that are sold by weight. It is thanks to them that the market is shrouded in a unique aroma and strikes with bright colors. If you would like to purchase a set of seasonings in a gift box, visit your local supermarket.
Red pepper flakes are a favorite spice of Turkish cooks and are considered universal. Even in a cafe, on a table next to salt and black pepper, you will see a cup of red pepper flakes. When buying, be guided by the color - the darker it is, the sharper the taste.
Thyme - this spice is considered to be Italian, however, it is quite popular in Turkey too. It is very often used in local cuisine, usually dried. Thyme is added to soup or when cooking meat.
Isot - This spice is made from urf pepper. It is crushed and dried in the sun for three days. As a result, the isot becomes almost black in color. It tastes quite spicy and gives the dish a spice.
Sumac is dried small berries with a bright sourish taste, resembling pepper in appearance. Most often sumac can be found in salads. It can also be added to rice dishes.
Mint is a well-known aromatic spice that is commonly used in soups along with thyme. Fresh mint is not easy to find here, but dried mint is sold everywhere.
Olive oil
The country borders the Mediterranean Sea, and this region is usually associated with olive groves. Indeed, several hundred thousand hectares have been allotted for this crop here, about 2 million tons of olives are harvested every year. The olive tree growing business is considered one of the most profitable. The groves are passed down from generation to generation, so the love of the Turks for olive oil, which is cheap and of high quality, is quite understandable.
It is also one of the most popular souvenirs for foreigners.If you often use this oil, it makes sense to purchase it immediately in five-liter tin cans, in this form it is very convenient to transport it. Olive oil is easy to buy in souvenir shops, but it is better to do it in the market - prices are much lower there, you can also bargain. When buying, pay attention to the color and consistency. The oil should be thick with a pleasant greenish tint. The best is the first cold-pressed oil.
Cheeses
The traditional "cheese" countries are considered to be France, Holland and Switzerland. However, the country can boast of very tasty and varied cheeses, of which there are more than 170 varieties. They are served for breakfast and dinner, used as an appetizer for wine and vodka.
White cheese - a bit like feta, made from cow, sheep or goat milk. It is soft, tender and rather salty.
Classic Turkish cheese "Tulum" - the name can be translated as "jumpsuit". Differs in a unique cooking technology. Sheep or goat milk is used for it. Young cheese is placed in the skin of an animal, wrapped tightly and kept in a cave for several months. A prerequisite for storage is a certain temperature. Air circulation is also important.
In different regions, this cheese is made in its own way, using various additives, so there are many varieties of it. This delicacy, combined with walnuts, is served with wine. Modern technologies make it possible to produce this cheese industrially, but you can find a product made according to an old recipe.
Kashar cheese - it looks very appetizing - yellow, aromatic, a bit like Parmesan. Hard, but breaks easily into sticks. Especially good with white wine.
Anise vodka Raki
The country has not won a high-profile international name for itself as a producer of original alcohol. However, there is one exception - the local aniseed vodka, raki. For production, young grape wine is used, to which anise seeds are added, which give a characteristic smell and taste. To get the final result, it is distilled twice.
Then it is infused in oak barrels for about 3 months. The finished drink has a rather high strength - up to 60 degrees and a persistent anise flavor. The consumption of raki has its own traditions. This means a feast with close friends and sincere conversations. The drink is slightly diluted with water, after which it takes on a rather cloudy appearance.
Crayfish drink slowly, like a cocktail, with obligatory toasts in honor of those gathered at the table, and light and modest snacks are used - melon, salted almonds, cheese, and sometimes fish dishes. Classical Turkish music should sound unobtrusive. There are even special establishments - meykhans. This is a purely male tradition, Turkish women do not visit such places.
The drink is divided into several varieties, which vary greatly in price. The most expensive are available only to very wealthy people. You don't have to buy a large bottle as a souvenir. You can choose several small 100-gram samples with any kind of drinks.
Fruits
There are many fruits to suit all tastes. The mild climate, bright sun, fertile land - all this creates ideal conditions for farming. Not all fruits can be brought with you, some, such as medlar or mulberry, can only be tasted, as they do not tolerate transportation well.
Figs - the sweetest and most fragrant figs grow in the vicinity of Izmir. You can buy not only fresh fruit, but also dried - it takes the road well and is great for light snacks.
Quince - we are used to the fact that these fruits are quite tart and sour. In Turkey, quince is sweet and tasty due to the warm climate. Despite being soft and juicy, bringing it home is easy.
Orange - This relative of the orange tastes more sour, but significantly more aromatic. Its juice is often consumed with sugar and diluted with water. The essential oil of orange is highly prized, and the fruit itself stimulates the appetite.
Ziziphus - This fruit is often found in the subtropics. Grows on large trees with sharp thorns. The fruits look like huge olives, and their taste is delicate and pleasant.
Pistachios
Probably, every tourist will certainly take home a bag of these nuts as a souvenir. And this is not surprising, because Turkish pistachios are much tastier, larger and better than those on the shelves of our stores. In ancient times, they were considered "royal food" after one of the rulers overnight ordered to withdraw the entire harvest of pistachios from the population and announced that only privileged persons could eat them. Especially a lot of pistachios are grown in the province of Antalya, so it is profitable to buy nuts from the local market, where they will be fresh. A big plus - you can try them before buying.
Olive cosmetics
It would seem, why carry something that can be purchased at home? However, it is not. The fact is that local cosmetics are a leader in quality and are cheaper than their European counterparts. Turkish laws are very harsh on counterfeit and substandard products. It is worth paying attention to the Dalan d'Olive brand. It is the most popular brand of cosmetics based on olive oil and other natural ingredients. There are a variety of skincare products on the market that provide excellent moisturizing effects.
Creams, gels, shampoos, soaps will definitely come in handy at home and will remind you of rest. Olive soap can be found not only in souvenir shops, but also in markets, pharmacies or specialized herbal shops. It works very well on the skin of the face, rejuvenating it and making it silky. It should be borne in mind that olive soap dries the skin a little, so it is best suited if there is a tendency to oily content.
Pink water
She can be found everywhere, especially during the month of Ramadan. Rose water is used in cosmetology to soothe, moisturize and firm the skin. Its use in cooking is no less popular, for example, for the preparation of the traditional dish Gyllach or as an additive to Turkish delight. Rose water is a by-product of the production of rose oil. Its base is distilled water, and rose essential oil is used as an additive.
It is obtained by distilling petals. Evaporating moisture passes through the petals and is thus saturated with useful elements. To prepare one liter, you will need about 500 damask rose flowers. Every Turkish woman has a bottle of rose water, here it is considered a miracle cure. You can buy it at a pharmacy or a cosmetics store.
Natural oils
It is imperative to purchase several bottles of natural oils, because they are inexpensive and of excellent quality here. There are several types:
- Argan oil is one of the most valuable, indispensable for hair in need of restoration. It also perfectly moisturizes the skin.
- Jojoba oil - perfect for dry skin and hair, protects against moisture loss.
- Avocado oil - contains many nutrients, nourishes the skin, softens and moisturizes. Gives elasticity and firmness.
Natural oils should also be purchased for lovers of bath procedures. In Turkey, they are traditionally used when visiting the hammam.
Medicines
Of course, medicines cannot be called souvenirs, but many tourists prefer to complete a home first-aid kit in Turkey. Why is that? The fact is that the price of medicines is pleasantly surprising - several times cheaper than domestic counterparts. In addition, by going to a pharmacy, you can be sure of the high quality, because for counterfeiting medicines under Turkish law, you can get a prison term of 30 years.
It is not difficult to find a pharmacy, they are there literally at every step.Many medicines are sold without a prescription, and the pharmacist will tell you how to take it on the package. The prices in pharmacies are the same, so you shouldn't look for where to buy cheaper. But nevertheless, you can bargain. However, in Turkey it is worth trying to get a discount anywhere. It is also important - in cities, which are especially popular with tourists, in any pharmacy in every shift there is a pharmacist who can speak Russian, so the language barrier will not hurt you.
Clothes and footwear
Many are familiar with Turkish-made clothing, because it is easy to find it in domestic stores. Why then carry? The fact is that you can buy clothes and shoes there much cheaper, because the same goods in Russia have a 200-300% markup. In addition, it is quite possible to find here outfits from famous European brands, and this will not necessarily be a fake.
Many firms have their own production here, as this reduces the cost of the thing. Local producers deserve attention too. Clothes and footwear are of high quality. You can choose from both versatile options and luxurious holiday items. Creating a beautiful image is available not only for women, but also for men and children.
Natural fabrics
What tourists should definitely buy is textiles, because Turkey is one of the largest manufacturers. Especially it is necessary to pay attention to cotton and bamboo fabrics. The quality is high, and the prices are pleasantly surprising. Cotton clothes, jeans and bedding last for years without losing their attractive appearance. Silk fabrics and products made from them are also very good. The largest selection is in Alanya. Silk scarves are most often brought from this city.
There are a great many of them here - with intricate patterns, decorated with gold or silver embroidery, with fringe or braid. Terry towels and bathrobes are often brought in, these things are of excellent quality and will delight you for many years. For purchases of this kind, you have to go to shopping centers. You should not buy textiles in the markets, since the price there does not correspond to the quality. Pretentious boutiques are too expensive and sell luxury items. Alternatively, you can visit one of the specialized stores, which are usually located at textile factories.
Leather and fur
High-quality leather and fur items have long become the country's trademark, and many tourists are trying to bring something from these products home. In order to purchase a bag, jacket or sheepskin coat, you can go directly to the factory.
Pros:
- Most often, a free transfer from the hotel and back is provided
- When paying, the factory accepts any currency
- The manufacturer gives a guarantee for the products
- You can order delivery to a hotel or even to Russia
If there is no desire to visit the factory, it is easy to buy the desired leather item on the market.
Pros:
- If you're lucky, you can purchase an item from last year's collection at a significant discount.
- There is an opportunity to bargain and get a discount.
sightseeing tours offer trips to leather and fur shops. The Zeytinburnu district in Istanbul is very popular. His competitor is Ataturk Jaddesi in Antalya. You can also sew custom-made leather clothing or purchase at an exhibition or model show. Leather shoes are also of high quality and attractive appearance.
Cezva
Cezva is a container for making Turkish coffee. It can be considered the most popular souvenir, because it is not only a national treasure, but also a beautiful, useful thing in everyday life. Traditionally, it was made of forged copper, such cezves are time-tested. Copper has a high thermal conductivity. Thanks to this, the water is evenly heated, and the coffee fully gives off its taste and aroma without boiling. The shape of the cezve is conical, the neck is narrowed.
This is to ensure that the foam that forms on the surface does not allow the essential oils to evaporate. The assortment is great - from simple and cheap options to exclusive and expensive ones. It is best to purchase a copper turk, decorated with hand-made chasing, with a comfortable long handle. Such a cezve will be a memorable souvenir or an ideal gift for loved ones, and the process of making coffee will become a beautiful traditional ritual.
Traditional Turkish glasses
Beautiful small glass tea cups are called armuds. They resemble a tulip in shape, and this is not only a tribute to beauty, but also a guarantee of comfortable tea drinking. In the upper extended part, the drink cools down faster and can be drunk without scalding. The lower part, on the other hand, retains heat for a long time, and the temperature of the tea remains optimal. Classic glasses have a capacity of 100 ml, but you can find more - 120-150 ml. Usually armuds are made without a handle, but especially for Europeans, the Turks produce cups with a handle.
Glasses decorated with ethnic ornaments look especially attractive. Sometimes the original cup holder is included. An excellent memorable souvenir will be a whole tea set: a two-tier teapot, a set of glasses with cup holders and saucers. Coffee sets are also popular - two cups with saucers and spoons, an elegant miniature sugar bowl and a tray.
Teapot
Tourists will forever remember the unique taste of tea they taste here. Many people try to recreate it when they return home. In order for this attempt to be crowned with success, it is worth purchasing an original teapot before leaving. It operates on the principle of a samovar and consists of two tiers. Water is poured into the lower container, and the tea leaves are poured into the upper one.
The whole structure is put on fire. After a few minutes, the tea, which is heated in a water bath, begins to give off its aroma. At this moment, the tea leaves are filled with boiling water from the lower container. Then you should reduce the heat and darken the tea for about 15 minutes. Enjoying a cup of aromatic drink, you can feel like in Istanbul again. For more authenticity, you should choose a copper kettle. It is perfect both for home and as a gift for a lover of tea ceremonies.
Hookah
Hookah is considered one of the main symbols. A favorite pastime of local residents is long distracted conversations accompanied by smoking using this device. It is not surprising that the markets and souvenir shops are overflowing with hookahs of various shapes and sizes. By purchasing it on the market, it makes sense to bargain, there is an opportunity to get a significant discount. Do not pay attention to cheap aluminum models - they will not last long.
An important detail is the size of the hookah. To decorate the interior, there are options with a height less than 30 cm. Hookah up to 45 cm is intended for rare use, and all models over 50 cm are for constant smoking. It is imperative to think about how to transport it. The fact is that in some airlines, hookah is prohibited from being carried in the cabin. In order not to face such an unpleasant situation at the airport, it is worthwhile to study the issue in advance.
Foam smoking pipes
Another unique souvenir for smoking is a pipe made of foam. Its local name is Meershaum. This material was formed from the remains of the ancient inhabitants of the sea. Its uniqueness lies in the fact that foam is mined only in one place in the world - in the village of Eshkishir, 200 km away from Istanbul.
It is impossible to imagine the best material for a smoking pipe - the foam heats up evenly and not too much, absorbs excess moisture and tar, does not burn. They are decorated with original carvings, such a souvenir looks very worthy. The best pipes are made from a single piece of foam and can be recognized by the stamp "Block Meerschaum" or "Solid meerschaum". Of course, such a souvenir is not cheap, but it is a durable unique author's product, a kind of "aristocrat" among pipes.
Onyx
Turkey is one of the six countries leading the industrial extraction of this mineral, therefore, onyx products have been and remain very popular with numerous tourists. The factory-museum is located in the Pamukkale area. Visiting it is included in many standard tourist programs. Visitors can observe the process of creating onyx products. There you can also visit a brand store, which surprises with a variety of jewelry, dishes, figurines, vases and other souvenirs.
Onyx resembles marble in appearance and is most often presented in yellow, brown, beige or greenish shades. Found almost everywhere. It is quite difficult to counterfeit this mineral, so there is no doubt about the quality of the product. Real onyx can be distinguished by looking through it at a bright light. The mineral partially lets it through and, as it were, glows from the inside.
Ceramics
Here, ceramic products are found almost everywhere. They are sold in small shops, shops, malls and markets. A rare tourist resists the temptation to buy a beautiful ceramic souvenir. The city of Kutahya is rightfully considered the capital of Turkish ceramics. The uniqueness of products from this city is in a special painting. Local craftsmen have the secret of obtaining unusually bright dyes from coral and cobalt blue.
Such paints cannot be reproduced anywhere else in the world. White clay products covered with amazing painting are exported to many countries. In Antalya, vegetable paints are used. The secrets of mixing them were previously kept in families and passed down from generation to generation. These products are not only pleasing to the eye, but also useful in everyday life.
The dishes are very durable, as they contain up to 80% quartz. It can even be washed in the dishwasher. When tapped, it rings like porcelain. Most often, ceramic products are painted with floral ornaments, but geometric patterns are also found. The most popular colors are blue, red and green. Each shade has its own meaning.
Carpets
Carpets are made from wool, silk or cotton. An interesting fact - the cost of a product does not depend on the size, but on the density. The more nodules per square meter, the more expensive. The ornament on the carpet also matters. A traditional Turkish rug is a kind of story about the woman who weaved it. A certain meaning is encrypted in each motive. When purchasing this product, you need to ask the seller for a certificate of authenticity.
If the carpet is really of high quality, you will be provided with information about the origin, materials and age of the product. Carpets dyed with natural dyes retain their color longer than carpets dyed with chemical dyes. Therefore, over time, the color will fade, but it will look beautiful and organic. Naturally, a real Turkish quality handmade carpet cannot be cheap, so you should be on your guard if you are offered a product at a relatively low price.
