Hello everyone,
It is quite an attractive country for those who like ethnic things!
Therefore, we would like to introduce some recommended souvenirs from Turkey.

We hope this will be a useful reference for you to consider for souvenirs for yourself or for those around you!

Food

Turkish food is delicious! Take what you can take home with you.

KOSKA's Turkish cotton candy (ÇEKME HELVA) was delicious! The size was just right, and it seemed to be a long-established store? It seems to be a good size, and I would definitely consider purchasing from a store that has been around since the early 1900's.

When walking around Istanbul, it is surprisingly easy to find stores.

Turkish cotton candy and Iwata candy.

I personally recommend the pistachio flavor, which is also a well-known Turkish product.
It may look subtle, but if you try it at least once, you will be impressed by its deliciousness.
Gentle and sweet, just the way the Japanese like it.
Usually cotton candy.

The ones you see on social networking sites.

The appearance of the taste depends on the packaging, but at any rate, if the store does not look suspicious, I would like you to buy some and try it!

Pistachio-based snacks

I actually bought the cotton candy one above that was pistachio flavored...

Turkey is famous for its pistachios.

This↑ is a kind of chocolate with pistachios mixed in. (For my taste, I preferred the pistachio cotton candy.)

Other typical Middle Eastern snacks

Turkey is said to be the gateway to the Middle East from both the Asian and European sides.

I am sure that for many, Turkey is their first Middle Eastern experience.

Please take a look at the other sweet and savory items for sale (you will see many of them as you walk around town), such as dates and various other Middle Eastern-style sweets and treats.

Chai Tea Leaves

To be honest, when I drink Turkish chai tea, it tastes (to me) almost the same as the typical English black tea, nothing special about it.

We recommend that you first try chai tea yourself in Turkey and then consider whether you should buy it as a souvenir. (When you go to Turkey, there is a high probability that it will be served after dinner in restaurants. Or you should be able to buy it cheaply when you are on a boat trip. Of course, you can drink it in coffee shops, but I think it is a little expensive. (You could think of it as a seat charge, though.)

Maybe it depends on the price you are willing to pay. If you are going to buy chai tea, try to go for something high-brand-like as much as possible, it might make you feel special.

By the way, I bought one at the airport because I had some Turkish lira left over on my way home, and I was satisfied with it because the tin case was cute. After drinking tea, I will use it as a storage case for miscellaneous things.

(Come to think of it, prices for the same item can be low or high at the airport, so if you have time, I recommend visiting multiple stores.)

Non-edible souveniors

Accessories

Turkey and the Middle East are all about jalousie accessories!

If you like colored stones and beads, please consider purchasing them. It is definitely cheaper than buying them in Japan (especially if they are in the same family).

There are many cute designs, especially if you don't care about the quality of the stones (gemstones and minerals).

I don't think you have to work hard to buy turquoise. There are many fashionable ones in Japan. Like the ones below.

If you are looking to buy accessories, I personally recommend buying them in Kadikoy if you are in Istanbul. It's a 30 minute boat ride from the tourist side of Istanbul on the European side, and you can get there with an Istanbul Card (like a PASMO coupon)!

Fabric products such as stoles and cushions

Scarves and carpets sold in Turkey are very nice!

If you like what you see, why not buy it?

You may be able to buy patterns that are not often sold in Japan.

This is a bit off topic, but cashmere is sold everywhere these days.

Embroidery

I bought it because I love Middle Eastern and Central Asian patterns, etc.

As for patterned souvenirs, it is usually the case that they are prints rather than embroidery in the cheaper cases, but there are quite a few embroidered cushion covers, pillowcases, clothes, etc., if you look for them!

My personal favorite store in Istanbul for prints is below. It must have been somewhere in the area where there is a hill...

I kind of forget where I saw the embroidery type, but I think I saw it while heading south on the boulevard from the Egyptian Bazaar side.

Turkish Chai Glass

A famous souvenir of Turkey is the chai glass.

You can find many in the Egyptian Bazaar, but be careful, as you are likely to get ripped off. You have a much better chance of getting a good deal if you buy in the Old Bazaar or, if you can find one, in the small alleys along the side of the bazaar.

Turkish Coffee Cup

Turkey was quite famous for coffee not long ago.

You may still see it on social networking sites from time to time, but coffee heated in sand is also a typical image of Turkish coffee.

Nazar Bonjou (eye) type souvenirs

Nazar Bonju (eye) is another rather sticky Turkish souvenir! It is said that if you get it from someone, it will ward off evil. It makes a great souvenir. It is an Islamic symbol and an ornament for those interested in spirituality, yoga, and meditation.

The most underwhelming are the key chains and wall hangings, but I personally recommend the tableware and sundries with stylish and contemporary nazar bonjou from this furniture store!

To be honest, I was a little apprehensive when I first saw it, but after looking at a few of them, I felt like I was being watched over before I knew it (it's really amazing how you get used to it.) It is available at an affiliate store called LCW Home!

Ethnic design sundries

Some are meaningful, some are not.

The store called LCW Home, which you can see in this photo, isalso available at online shopand, The store is located in the center of Istanbul and is highly recommended for those who are looking for home-based souvenirs!

And the most important part ... it is not sold at tourist prices!

Conclusion

Keep in mind that bargain is the norm, so you shouldn't give up even if there is a price tag (especially not store-based).
For more information on shopping tips and tricks, please checkby clicking to see another articlefor more information.

The food is delicious! Turkish ice cream is totally different from that of Japan, so try it once.

Other articles on international culture are available byClicking hereand articles about Turkey by keyword search in the blogClicking here.