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Buying souvenirs to bring back home is an amazing part of traveling. It is a fantastic way to let your friends and family know you’re thinking about them while you’re away. And it also serves as a pleasant reminder of your journey for yourself.
The options for the best souvenirs from Turkey are endless, whether they’re traditional, eccentric, tasty, or just for nostalgic recollections. Because there is so much to choose from, we’ve compiled a list of the best souvenirs from Istanbul, Turkey to assist you.
Edible Souvenirs from Istanbul
Because of having a wide range of souvenirs, you can bring back different things to your acquaintances and friends. However, many believe that The best souvenirs from Istanbul are culinary goods. The most special ones are:
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Turkish Coffee, The Most Delicious Hot Beverage in Turkey
Coffee is ingrained in Turkish culture, and drinking coffee is a ceremony for this nation. If you are a coffee lover, Turkey will certainly be an appealing destination for your journey. And, you should be sure to buy enough coffee for yourself and your loved ones before leaving Turkey. It is absolutely one of the best souvenirs from Turkey.
If you are a coffee enthusiast, buy a traditional Turkish coffee pot called the Cezve. You will not experience the real taste of Turkish coffee by using the usual coffee makers. This bitter coffee is conventionally served with Turkish delights, which will be introduced next. Remember to drink a cup of water before your coffee, which helps you taste it better.
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Turkish Tea
Tea is an excellent souvenir because of its high quality and an acceptable price in Turkey. Black tea is an inseparable part of the Turkish people’s life. Typical Turkish tea, called Cay, is more affordable than coffee. If this hot beverage is too strong, you may need to add sugar or sweetness.
A tea set is the most pleasing aspect of tea; it includes small tulip-shaped glasses and saucers with delicate ornaments. Therefore, a tea set is an elegant souvenir for your family or friends.
Except for black tea, other flavors like natural apple, pomegranate, orange blossom, linden blossom, and rosehip are popular in Turkey. These aromatic and delicious teas are more desirable for visitors than black tea, as they consider it one of the best souvenirs from Istanbul.
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Turkish Delight
If you had a sweet tooth, buying this Turkish dessert would be the most delightful portion of your journey. This delicious treat, known as the Locum, is a small jelly-like sweet composed of starch and sugar, with nuts, fruits, or spices added.
Different sizes, shapes, and flavors provide a wide range of choices for you to buy excellent gifts to suit the tastes of your acquaintances. Pistachio, rosewater, cinnamon, orange, and lemon are popular flavors. Another notable point is the low price that makes these Turkish sweets affordable gifts.
Baklava
Baklava is another famous Turkish dessert made of filo, thin layers of dough filled with chopped nuts and sweet syrup. This pastry has a crispy crust, however, its inside is soft and sweet.
This delicious dessert is the best souvenir from Turkey for your friends, who are sweet lovers. If you choose baklava as a unique souvenir, consider some tips about its packaging. Baklava syrup, a fundamental ingredient of this treat, will cause trouble if you do not carefully wrap it.
Turkish Spices
Spices are the principal ingredients in Turkish foods to enhance their taste and aroma. Turkey is known for its spices and has an exotic spice bazaar. This traditional market is a remarkable place for lovers of Turkish cuisine who like to cook Turkish meals in their homes.
Sumac, paprika, and allspice are the most popular Turkish spices that you can take back home as souvenirs. Do not forget to buy a lovely copper spice set to store your spices. These containers keep them fresh for a long time.
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The Best Traditional Souvenirs from Istanbul
The best souvenirs from Istanbul are not limited to edible ones. In addition, you can find plenty of wonderful handicrafts and goods which can be wonderful gifts for your loved ones. This brief article cannot include all these admirable products, so some are listed below:
Ceramics
The beauty of the splendid monuments of Istanbul, such as Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace, especially the tiles used on walls and ceilings, will encourage you to bring some pieces of these artworks to your house.
The government will not allow you to bring out ancient ceramics. They are the national wealth of Turkey, and Turks always struggle to preserve their heritage. However, you can buy current ceramic items like plates, bowls, ashtrays, vases, or other kitchenware. The modern ceramics are as beautiful as the historical versions. You will remember your pleasant vacation in Istanbul while using them.
Rugs and Cushions, The Best Souvenirs from Istanbul
Rugs, or Kilims, are the most famous and worthwhile products made in Turkey. These gorgeous souvenirs come in two types: handmade and machine-made. Like other handicrafts, the first is very costly because of its weaving process. However, in Istanbul, you can buy a handmade rug much cheaper than in Western countries.
It does not mean that machine-made ones are not decorative, so if you are fond of having a Turkish carpet in your house, you could buy these more affordable ones. Don’t be concerned if you don’t have enough money to purchase a full-sized carpet. You will have cheaper alternatives such as small-sized carpets, cushions, and bags as a stunning keepsake of your trip.
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Copper
The southeast region of Turkey is a rich mine of copper, and this ancient material is used to make various tools. Coppersmithing has a valuable place in Turkish culture, and the use of Copperware is common.
Turkish master artisans try to preserve this traditional art by going through the production of conventional pots and pans. Likewise, these craftsmen attempt to improve the old designs to meet the needs of modern living.
These glorious handicrafts are available in shopping venues, such as the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul. Copper spoon sets, grinders, sugar bowls, trays, and coffee sets are the most engaging copper items.
The Evil Eye (Nazar Boncugu)
This beautiful blue eye protects you from the evil eye. This old belief, which dates back to ancient Greek and Roman times, has remained acceptable in some societies, like the Turkish people. They believe that this glass amulet can keep evil away from you.
However, some do not believe in this talisman and use this blue glass as a decorative item. It has many applications, such as using it as a key ring or designing jewelry. This protective decoration is affordable and light, so these features make it a nice souvenir that may protect your loved ones from bad luck.
Turkish Lamps and Lanterns
Beautiful mosaic lamps dangling from the ceilings of the shops are one of the most exotic souvenirs in Turkey. You can find stunning lamps anywhere, especially in the Grand Bazaar. These unique lamps can create an enchanting ambiance in your home. Don’t miss the chance to take home these lamps. Being specific is absolutely desirable.
Choosing among these gorgeous lamps is a real challenge since the classical lanterns appear in various colors and styles. These concerns may discourage you from buying a traditional Turkish lamp. Imagine your home after you have decorated it with these eye-catching lights, which will make it exclusive.
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Turkish Jewelry
Jewelry design is an old industry in Turkey. Skillful craftsmen create beautiful accessories such as bracelets, rings, necklaces, anklets, and earrings. Gold, silver, and precious stones are usually used to produce gems and jewels. Both the lowest price and highest quality persuade tourists to buy jewels from Turkey.
Various styles give customers many options to choose jewelry. Visitors can carry these light jewels. People can use them in their daily life and remember their enjoyable trips. As a result, jewels are the best souvenirs from Turkey.
The Grand Bazaar is the most popular venue for buying gold, silver, and other types of jewelry. If you wish for exclusive pieces, go to the markets and find your favorite. Unique jewels will catch your eyes in the Istanbul Bazaar.
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