Must Buy Souvenirs From Turkey
Any location in the world requires the purchase of souvenirs, to remember your time, and also to take back home for friends and family. This is part of the holiday process, and usually takes place towards the end of your one or two weeks’ stay. When you’re visiting Turkey, there are some iconic souvenirs to purchase, and the process of actually buying them is great fun too!
Turkey is home to countless shopping opportunities, no matter whether you’re visiting a large town or city, or you’re heading to one of the summer tourist resorts on the south coast. For instance, if you’re visiting Istanbul, you can choose between modern shopping methods, or you can go old school and visit the Grand Bazaar, haggling for your goods and getting a great price.
Even if you visit a tourist resort, you’re not going to find a lack of mainstream shopping stores to head to. Marmaris, in the Dalaman region, has a large town centre which has big named regional stores, such as LC Waikiki and DeFacto, to name just two. On top of this, there is a large bazaar to check out, and various stores along the main road. Most other resorts have a similar kind of vibe.
With that in mind, what are the must buy souvenirs you should take home with you from Turkey?
-
Turkish Delight
– Yes, you can find Turkish delight all over the world, but it’s not genuine! You can’t pass up the chance to buy the real stuff, and if you’re going to buy some, make sure it’s not the boxed kind, and instead to go a market and buy the Turkish delight that you buy fresh, by the kilo. You’ll find all different types on offer, the market vendors will usually let you try a piece before you decide on which one you’re going for.
-
Baklava
– The sticky, sweet, and downright delicious dessert is a must buy! The problem with this is that it’s not going to keep for very long, so if you’re buying it, make sure you give it to your family member or friend as soon as you get home. Of course, you could simply eat it on the plane back home and they would be none the wiser! Again, make sure you buy it fresh from the bakery for the best sort.
-
Genuine Fakes
– You should approach with caution here, because some countries don’t let you bring fake goods back home, but there’s no denying that Turkey is packed with fake fashion products, and some are really high quality. For instance, you could buy a fake Chanel handbag, and nobody would no any difference! The fake fun goes as far as shoes, trainers, handbags, purses, sweaters, general clothes, the list goes on. Always check the quality before you buy, and shop around, as some stores offer better quality than others.
-
Apple Tea (Elma Cay)
– Normal cay is all very well and good, but apple cay (elma cay) is one of the most popular souvenirs to buy and take back home. You can buy a box for around 5 lira and it will last you for a long time when you’re home!
-
A Turkish Tea Cup Set
– The small cay (tea) glasses are so cheap, and some of them are decorated beautifully. These would make a great gift for someone back home, or simply look great in your kitchen or your decorative cabinet too!
-
A Turkish Carpet
– Turkish handmade carpets are amongst some of the best in the world, and its possible for you to buy one and have it shipped back home, to follow you on the plane shortly afterwards! Again, make sure you shop around.
-
Spices
– You’ll find markets all over Turkey, but if you’re visiting Istanbul’s spice market, be sure to buy a few rare spices, at fantastic prices. Do make sure that you keep them in their original, sealed bag, otherwise you might end up having a few questioning glances from customs at the airport!
Make sure a few of these feature in your luggage on your way home from your time in Turkey!
