10 Best Turkish Souvenirs to Take Home

Shopping in Turkey is a great pleasure. It is easy to find dazzling and exotic goods either in the world-famous Grand Bazaar or the boutique shops along the streets. If you're good at haggling, Turkey will be your shopping paradise. So what should you buy when you're in Turkey? Here is our list of the 10 best Turkish souvenirs. 

1. Evil Eye

This is a traditional Turkish handicraft, known as nazar boncugu in Turkish, and you can find it in most shops. According to Turkish beliefs, the evil eye protects you from bad luck, injury, or evil spirits. 

Nowadays, the evil eye is not only used to ward off evil spirits but has also been attributed as a fashion accessory. In addition to the traditional style, there are a variety of different materials and designs to choose from.

2. Turkish Tea and Tea Sets

The Turks enjoy drinking tea and have a unique tea drinking culture so taking some Turkish tea back home with you is a good choice. Besides Turkish black tea, you can also pick herbal teas, which come in a variety of flavors, such as apple and rosehip.

Moreover, the Turks not only drink a lot of tea but also use a variety of tea sets and some of these have become very distinctive travel souvenirs. The tulip-shaped Turkish teacup is the best seller among them.

3. Turkish Delight

This is one of the most popular Turkish desserts. It is a sweet delicacy made of starch and sugar that has nuts or fruit added to it. It comes in many different flavors, such as strawberry, mint, pomegranate, and lemon. It's one of the best gifts from Turkey for your friends.

Tip: As there are a lot of imitation versions, it is recommended that you buy it at the family shop of Haci Bekir Efendi in Istanbul. Bekir Efendi was the original inventor of Turkish delight and buying it there ensures you are tasting the authentic version.

4. Turkish Carpets

Carpets have been a household necessity in Turkey for thousands of years. They were in use before the Turks settled on the Anatolian peninsula. The carpets are made of quality pure silk and raw wool, and they have elegant designs, making them popular among foreigners. A Turkish carpet is a perfect souvenir for someone with a high budget.

Tip: The prices often include 20% commission for the guide or the person who took you to the shop so bargaining is expected.

5. Mosaic Glass Lamps

When strolling in the Grand Bazaar, your eyes will be attracted to the mosaic glass lamps hanging from the ceilings of shops. The Turkish mosaic lamps are not good for lighting a room but they're great for creating an atmosphere. The lamps are available in a variety of colors, such as emerald and ruby. If you decide to buy one, please ask the seller to pack it very carefully so that it does not break in your suitcase.

6. Turkish Towels and Soap

Turkish towels are thinner than traditional towels but they are more durable and absorbent. They are commonly used in Turkish baths. It is recommended to buy handmade Turkish towels — although the price is a little higher, the quality is better.

Handmade natural soap is also one of Turkey's most popular souvenirs. The Turks make soap from different ingredients, such as roses, olive oil, and lavender. Each of them has different benefits so please feel free to ask the seller for a recommendation.

7. Turkish Ceramics

Turkish ceramics have been famous for their exquisite workmanship since the 16th century. Red and cobalt blue tiles have adorned the walls of Turkish palaces and mosques for centuries. The bowls, cups, tiles, and other porcelain products are sold around the world.

When you travel to Turkey, we highly recommend purchasing hand-painted ceramics with complex patterns and bright colors as a souvenir — they can be easily found in the Grand Bazaar.

8. Turkish Spices

Spices are widely used in Turkish cuisine, enhancing the aroma and taste of the dishes. This is one of the main reasons that Turkish cuisine has become popular around the world. Colorful and vibrant spices are among the best souvenirs you can take home from Turkey.

It is recommended to buy the spices at the Spice Bazaar in Istanbul, which is home to many exotic flowers and spices from places as diverse as Europe, Asia, and Africa. It is worth visiting this bazaar to experience its atmosphere even if you are not looking to buy any spices.

9. Turkish Coffee

Turkish coffee is known for its unusual taste, which is derived from a unique method of preparation. Turks use a Turkish coffee pot (cezve) to boil the ground coffee with sugar. It is considered to have the most "original" coffee taste. 

We highly recommend you buy a proper Turkish coffee pot if you want to enjoy authentic Turkish coffee at home. 

10. Leather Goods

Leather sold in Turkey is of exceptionally high quality. You'll see leather jackets, trousers, and belts, all of which are inexpensive. Don't forget to bargain with the sellers since this is also part of Turkish tradition.

Our Tours Can Accommodate Souvenir Shopping 

Interested in shopping for these souvenirs in Turkey? We specialize in tailor-making tours of Turkey to suit your requirements. We can make sure you take home the best souvenirs to remember your incredible time in Turkey!