20 Popular Turkish Souvenirs to Bring Home

From handmade rugs and exotic spices to desserts, beautiful jewellery pieces, coloured Nargile Pipes and delicious food, Turkish Bazaars has something for everyone.

What to Buy in Turkey as Souvenirs

Turkish Bazaars present visitors with an overwhelming choice of beautifully designed handmade souvenirs and delicious Turkish cuisine that can make you nostalgic about a history page that's not even yours. You may even be lost in the colour and culture of the Bazaars in Turkey.

If you are wondering about the best and most meaningful traditional Turkish souvenirs to showcase on your souvenir shelf, adorn your living room, or give to your friends or family as a gift. Here are some of the best souvenirs you can buy in Turkey.

Best Souvenirs From Turkey

1. Turkish Delight

If you have a sweet tooth, Turkish delight will surely be your first option for Turkish souvenirs. So, the next time you're looking for a sweet treat, consider trying Turkish delight and embark on a sweet adventure!

This sweet and chewy confectionery is known for its unique texture and taste, and it has been a popular treat for centuries. It is made of starch and sugar. It comes in various flavours, such as rose, pistachio, and lemon.

2. Turkish Tea and Coffee Sets

One of the best ways to bring a piece of Turkish culture home is by purchasing a traditional tea or coffee set as a souvenir. Turkish tea and coffee sets are not only beautiful, but they also have a long history and cultural significance.

You can use these functional souvenirs to serve tea or coffee at home or display them as decorative pieces. They are also a great way to introduce Turkish culture and hospitality to your friends and family.

3. Turkish Handmade Carpets

If you're looking for a unique and timeless souvenir from Turkey, consider purchasing a handmade carpet. Turkish carpets are world-renowned for their beauty, quality, and cultural significance.

They are traditionally handcrafted by skilled artisans who use various techniques and natural materials to create intricate designs and patterns.

Turkish carpets have different patterns and designs, each telling a story through its colours and symbols. They are also functional and can be passed down for generations, making them exceptional souvenirs that will bring warmth and beauty to any home.

4. The Evil Eye/Turkish Eye – Nazar Boncugu

The Turkish evil eye, also known as "nazar boncugu," is a popular and unique souvenir from Turkey. This symbol is believed to protect against the "evil eye," a curse caused by envy or jealousy.

The evil eye amulet is typically a blue, circular glass bead with a white and black centre, resembling an eye. It can be found in various sizes and forms, including jewellery, wall hangings, and keychains.

The Turkish evil eye is a beautiful and eye-catching souvenir with significant cultural and spiritual meaning. It's also a great way to bring a piece of Turkish folklore and tradition back home with you.

5. Turkish Ceramics

Turkish ceramics, or "Iznik pottery," are beautiful and unique souvenirs to bring back from Turkey. These ceramics are known for their intricate designs, vibrant colours, and traditional Ottoman patterns. They are made by skilled artisans who use natural materials and traditional techniques, including hand painting and glazing.

Turkish ceramics can be found in various forms, including plates, bowls, vases, and tiles. They make excellent gifts and can be used as functional pieces or displayed as decorative art. Bringing back a piece of Turkish ceramics is a beautiful way to preserve the country's rich cultural heritage and add a touch of elegance to your home.

6. Turkish Exotic Spices

Turkey is a country that is renowned for its cuisine, and Turkish spices are an essential ingredient in the country's flavorful dishes. Purchasing Turkish spices as a souvenir is an excellent way to bring the country's unique flavours home with you.

Some of the most popular Turkish spices include sumac, cumin, paprika, and za'atar. You can use these spices to add flavour to meats, vegetables, and soups. You can also use them to make traditional Turkish dishes such as kebabs, borek, and Turkish delight.

Turkish spices are often sold in colourful packages or bulk, making them a perfect souvenir to share with friends and family back home. In addition, they are a delicious addition to any kitchen and offer a glimpse into the country's rich culinary history and culture.

7. Turkish Calligraphy Artwork

Turkish calligraphy is a unique art form that has been refined over centuries. It is a visual representation of the beauty and complexity of the Turkish language and has become a treasured cultural symbol of the country.

As a souvenir, Turkish calligraphy provides a meaningful way to remember your time in Turkey and the rich cultural heritage embedded in every pen stroke.

Whether you choose a framed piece of calligraphy or a beautifully crafted calligraphy pen, this art form is sure to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your collection. As a gift or a personal memento, Turkish calligraphy is a timeless treasure that will be cherished for years to come.

8. Pottery From Cappadocia

If you're looking for unique regional Turkish gifts, consider buying a clay pottery product in Cappadocia.

Cappadocia is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Turkey. It is known for its unique landscape of fairy chimneys, cave dwellings, and underground cities. In addition to its geological wonders, Cappadocia is renowned for its pottery tradition, which dates back to the Hittite period.

The pottery of Cappadocia is characterized by its earthy tones, intricate designs, and use of traditional techniques such as hand-throwing and wood-firing. Local artisans draw inspiration from the natural surroundings, incorporating elements such as flowers, leaves, and animals into their designs.

Cappadocian pottery is beautiful and functional, with pieces ranging from plates and bowls to vases and candleholders. You can find them in many shops in the area, and you may even have the opportunity to make your own pottery!

9. Traditional Turkish Musical Instruments

Traditional musical instruments are unique and authentic souvenirs to bring back from your travels. They serve as a reminder of the country's cultural heritage and add to your own music collection.

From saz and ney to Kanun and Kemençe, traditional Turkish musical instruments have a distinctive sound and beauty that makes them stand out from other souvenirs. They can be found in music stores, markets, and bazaars and range from affordable to high-end.

Whether you're a musician or simply appreciate the art of music, a traditional musical instrument as a souvenir is a meaningful way to bring a piece of Turkish culture back home with you.

10. Turkish Coffee

Turkish coffee is a traditional coffee brewed by slowly heating the fine ground coffee in cold water to the boiling point on an ember, if possible, or on the stove. To do so, a unique, mostly copper-made Turkish coffee pot named “cezve” has been used for years. However, automated Turkish coffee machines have recently been developed, and they are also very good at reflecting the traditional taste and texture of Turkish coffee.

11. Turkish Bath Towels

Turkish bath towels, also known as pestemals, are a popular and valuable souvenir to bring back from Turkey. These towels are made from high-quality Turkish cotton and are known for their softness, absorbency, and quick-drying properties. They come in various colours and patterns and are adorned with traditional Turkish designs.

Turkish bath towels are functional and provide a stylish and unique addition to any home decor. They are a perfect gift for those who love to travel, as they are lightweight and easy to pack.

12. Pistachios

If you're a foodie and looking for a unique souvenir, Turkish pistachios are a tasty and memorable way to experience the flavours of Turkey.

Turkey is known for its delicious and high-quality pistachios, making them a perfect souvenir to bring home from your travels. Turkish pistachios are world-renowned for their distinctive taste and texture and are widely available throughout the country.

You can purchase them in many forms, including roasted, salted, flavoured, or raw. They are also often packaged beautifully, making them an ideal gift for friends and family.

13. Turkish Olive Oil

Turkish olive oil is a delicious and healthy souvenir to bring back from Turkey. Turkey is home to a wide variety of olives, and its olive oil is known for its high quality and distinctive taste.

Olive oil is a staple in Turkish cuisine, and is used for cooking, dressing salads, and dipping bread. Bringing back a bottle of Turkish olive oil as a souvenir provides a delicious taste of the country's culinary traditions. It is also a healthy alternative to other cooking oils and makes for a thoughtful and practical gift for food lovers.

14. Authentic Gold Jewellery

If you want a beautiful and meaningful souvenir to gift your significant other, Turkish jewellery is a thoughtful and unique gift for loved ones.

Turkey has a long history of producing stunning jewellery, and its designs are inspired by the country's cultural heritage and natural beauty.

Turkish jewellery is known for its intricate designs, vibrant colours, precious stones, and incorporation of traditional motifs such as the evil eye. Whether you're looking for a statement piece or something more understated, Turkish jewellery offers a wide range of options to suit any style.

Bringing back authentic Turkish jewellery as a souvenir is a beautiful way to commemorate your trip to Turkey and add a touch of exotic elegance to your collection.

15. Crusaders Vs. Ottomans Chess Set

The Crusaders vs Ottoman chess set is a unique and fascinating souvenir to bring back from Turkey. This chess set is inspired by the historical conflict between the Crusaders and the Ottoman Empire and features intricately designed pieces that reflect the two cultures.

The Crusaders are represented by medieval European knights, and the Ottomans by Ottoman soldiers and Janissaries. The chess set is beautifully crafted and provides a unique way to learn about and commemorate the rich history of Turkey.

It also makes for a thoughtful and meaningful gift for chess enthusiasts or those interested in history. The Crusaders vs Ottoman chess set is a one-of-a-kind souvenir that captures the essence of Turkey's cultural heritage.

16. Backgammon Set

A backgammon set is a timeless and classic souvenir to bring back from Turkey. Backgammon is a popular game played in Turkey for centuries and is an integral part of Turkish culture. Turkish backgammon sets are beautifully crafted with intricate designs made from high-quality materials such as wood, leather, and mother of pearl. They come in a variety of sizes and styles and are a perfect gift for game lovers or those who appreciate the beauty of traditional Turkish crafts.

Bringing back a backgammon set as a souvenir provides a fun and interactive way to remember your time in Turkey and adds a touch of artistic elegance to any home.

17. Handmade Soaps

Are you looking for a simple and elegant way to indulge in a little bit of luxury while remembering your time in Turkey? Turkish Handmade soaps are luxurious and fragrant souvenirs to bring back from Turkey.

These soaps are made using traditional methods and high-quality ingredients such as olive oil, honey, and herbs. They come in a variety of scents and colours and are beautifully wrapped with conventional Turkish designs.

Turkish handmade soaps provide a natural and nourishing alternative to commercially produced soaps and are gentle on the skin. They also make for a thoughtful and worthwhile gift for those who appreciate the art of soap making and the beauty of Turkish culture.

18. Turkish Lanterns

Are you searching for a stunning and unique souvenir to bring back from Turkey? Getting Turkish lanterns is a beautiful way to remember your time in Turkey and add a touch of cultural sophistication to your home.

These lanterns are made using traditional techniques and come in various colours, shapes, and sizes. They are made from glass, metal, and silk materials and are often adorned with intricate designs and patterns.

Turkish lanterns add a touch of exotic elegance to any home decor and can be used to create a warm and cosy ambience. They are also thoughtful and meaningful gifts for loved ones, providing a piece of Turkish culture and tradition.

19. Pashminas

Are you looking to add a touch of elegance to your wardrobe or find a meaningful gift for someone special? A Turkish pashmina is the perfect choice.

Pashminas are soft and luxurious shawls made from high-quality wool, often mixed with silk, and come in various colours and designs. They are perfect for adding a touch of sophistication to any outfit, whether it be a formal occasion or a casual day out. Turkish pashminas are known for their intricate patterns and beautiful embroidery, showcasing the country's rich textile traditions. They also make for a thoughtful and useful gift for loved ones, providing a warm and cosy reminder of your trip. Pashminas are lightweight and easy to pack, making them practical and versatile souvenirs from Turkey.

20. Leather Products

Turkey is famous for its high-quality leather products, making them a perfect souvenir for your trip. From leather jackets to bags, shoes, belts, and wallets, there is something for everyone. Turkish leather is known for its durability, softness, and beautiful designs. The leather is often tanned using traditional methods, ensuring the products are of the highest quality.

Leather products in Turkey come in a wide range of styles, from classic and timeless to trendy and fashionable, catering to all tastes and preferences. Whether you're looking for a stylish leather jacket, a practical and sturdy backpack, or a modern leather belt, you are sure to find it in Turkey.

Leather products make for a meaningful and lasting souvenir, reminding you of your trip to Turkey and the country's rich cultural heritage. So, next time you visit Turkey, don't forget to pick up a high-quality leather product as a memorable souvenir.