Turkey is a shopper’s paradise, boasting vibrant bazaars, exquisite artisan craftsmanship, and an array of gourmet delicacies.
Whether you're navigating the historic Grand Bazaar in Istanbul or exploring the boutique markets of Cappadocia, Turkey offers an unforgettable shopping experience.
The Grand Bazaar, situated in Istanbul, is spread across 45,000 square metres and has more than 4,000 shops offering a variety of goods.
With up to 60 streets named after a particular type of merchandise, you are sure to find your best things to buy from Turkey in one spot.
Whether you're searching for artistic ceramics, luxurious textiles, traditional Turkish coffee sets, intricately woven carpets, or the delectable sweetness of Turkish delight, the country’s souvenirs reflect its deep-rooted culture, rich traditions, and superior quality.
Top 16 Things to Buy from Turkey
If you’re planning your trip, here’s a curated list of the 16 best things to buy in Turkey, ensuring you bring home authentic treasures.
1. Turkish Carpets & Kilims
Turkish carpets and kilims are more than just home decor, they are an expression of the country's rich weaving heritage.
These handmade masterpieces feature intricate designs, vibrant colors, and high-quality materials, making them a prized possession for collectors and home decorators. In 1272, Marco Polo even called the Turkish carpets from Konya “the best and the handsomest”, making them one of the best things to buy from Turkey.
Kilims, flat-woven rugs, are particularly lightweight and easy to carry back home, while Turkish carpets are known for their dense knots and long-lasting quality.
- Where to Buy: The Grand Bazaar (Istanbul), Cappadocia, Konya
- Pro Tip: Ensure you’re buying handwoven carpets and negotiate prices before purchasing.
2. Evil Eye (Nazar Boncuğu) Amulets
The evil eye amulet, known as Nazar Boncuğu, is a staple in Turkish culture, believed to protect against negative energy.
This deep-blue charm can be found in various forms, including bracelets, keychains, wall hangings, and home decor items.
The evil eye symbol is an affordable and meaningful souvenir, making it one of the best things to buy from Turkey.
- Where to Buy: Souvenir shops in Istanbul, Antalya, and Ephesus
- Pro Tip: You can find them in various forms—bracelets, keychains, and home decor pieces.
3. Turkish Delight & Baklava
For those with a sweet tooth, Turkish Delight (Lokum) and Baklava are two things to buy from Turkey.
Turkish Delight comes in various flavors, including rose, pomegranate, and pistachio, while Baklava, a rich pastry layered with nuts and honey, is a favorite worldwide. These sweets make for excellent gifts or personal indulgences.
- Where to Buy: Hafiz Mustafa and Koska in Istanbul, Spice Bazaar
- Pro Tip: Look for fresh, handmade varieties for the best taste.
4. Spices & Herbal Teas
Turkish spice markets are a sensory delight, offering exotic flavors like sumac, saffron, and the famous Ottoman spice mix.
Herbal teas such as apple tea and pomegranate tea are also popular among tourists and are one of the best things to buy from Turkey.
Bringing home spices from Turkey allows you to recreate the country's rich flavors in your kitchen.
- Where to Buy: Egyptian Bazaar (Istanbul), local markets
- Pro Tip: Ask vendors for traditional blends to get the most authentic flavors.
5. Turkish Coffee & Coffee Sets
A trip to Turkey is incomplete without experiencing the unique taste of Turkish coffee. The Turks are now famous tea drinkers, but their reputation for coffee was once highly praised.
Back in the 17th century, the Ottoman Empire brought coffee to Europe, which eventually led to the establishment of places like "caffè" and "café".
The finely ground coffee, prepared using a traditional cezve (coffee pot), is a must-buy for coffee lovers.
Complete your gift with an ornate Turkish coffee set, featuring beautiful ceramic or copper cups, another specialty on the list of things to buy from Turkey.
- Where to Buy: Grand Bazaar, specialty coffee stores
- Pro Tip: Get a set with copper or brass details for an authentic touch.
6. Handmade Ceramics & Iznik Tiles
Turkish ceramics, particularly Iznik tiles, are known for their vibrant colors and intricate patterns.
These handcrafted items reflect centuries-old artistic traditions and make for stunning home decor pieces.
Whether you choose plates, bowls, or decorative tiles, these ceramics add a touch of Turkish charm to any space and are one of the best things to buy from Turkey.
- Where to Buy: Grand Bazaar, workshops in Iznik
- Pro Tip: Check for hand-painted pieces, which are more valuable.
7. Gold & Silver Jewelry
Turkey is famous for its gold and silver jewelry, often featuring Ottoman-inspired designs and semi-precious stones.
From intricately crafted rings and earrings to elegant necklaces, Turkish jewelry is a beautiful and valuable keepsake.
There are about 50 shops in the Grand Bazaar, and also dedicated shops in the Kuyumcukent jewelry production hub for gold and silver jewellery.
If you’re lucky, you can find one-off modern designs by Turkish artists like Nurdan Sen or Yesim Yuksek. Turkey's jewelry has reached a new level, thanks to these creators.
Precious metals, diamonds, jewels, and tradition have all been combined to produce stunning items that will become some of the best things to buy from Turkey for your loved ones.
- Where to Buy: Grand Bazaar, jewelry stores in Antalya
- Pro Tip: Bargain wisely; gold prices fluctuate.
8. Traditional Textiles & Pashminas
Turkey is renowned for its luxurious textiles, including silk scarves, pashminas, and cotton fabrics.
These textiles are known for their softness, durability, and beautiful patterns, making them ideal souvenirs or gifts.
One of the best things to buy from Turkey is a pashmina scarf, which is light, colorful, and easy to pack.
- Where to Buy: Bursa, local markets in Istanbul
- Pro Tip: Opt for silk or wool blends for premium quality.
9. Leather Goods
After Italy, China, and India, Turkey is one of the largest producers of leather. Turkish leather goods are of exceptional quality, offering everything from jackets and handbags to wallets and belts.
The nation has put a lot of effort into raising its standards for design and quality in recent years.
Turkish designers have elevated the nation's leather sector beyond basic handcrafted goods to include high-end couture.
The craftsmanship and durability of Turkish leather products make them a worthwhile investment and one of the best things to buy from Turkey.
- Where to Buy: Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar, local boutiques
- Pro Tip: Leather items are often custom-made, so ask for tailoring options.
10. Local Perfumes & Attars
Turkey is renowned for its traditional perfumes and attars, which are crafted using natural floral extracts, spices, and musky undertones.
These long-lasting fragrances have been an integral part of Turkish culture for centuries and are highly valued for their authenticity and richness, and are often considered as one of the best things to buy from Turkey.
In 2025, many local perfumeries in Turkey will continue to blend these timeless scents using traditional methods, making them a must-buy souvenir for travelers.
Whether you prefer the deep, woody notes of oud or the sweet, floral essence of rose, Turkish perfumes offer a luxurious olfactory experience.
- Where to Buy: Spice Bazaar, specialty perfumeries
- Pro Tip: Test scents before buying, as natural attars develop over time.
11. Hand-painted Glass Lamps
Turkish mosaic lamps remain one of the most sought-after things to buy from Turkey, celebrated for their mesmerizing stained-glass patterns and exquisite craftsmanship.
These handcrafted lamps, available in diverse shapes and sizes, are carefully assembled using individually cut glass pieces, creating stunning kaleidoscopic designs.
Whether used as statement pieces in a living room, bedroom, or office, these lamps instantly infuse a space with Turkish charm and warmth.
In 2025, Turkey’s artisan markets continue to uphold this traditional craft, ensuring that each piece is an authentic work of art, making it a valuable and timeless purchase for travelers.
- Where to Buy: Grand Bazaar, artisan shops in Cappadocia
- Pro Tip: Buy from reputable shops to ensure high-quality craftsmanship.
12. Copperware & Brass Items
Turkey's metalwork, particularly copper trays, tea sets, and cookware, is among the best things to buy from Turkey due to its durability, intricate craftsmanship, and historical significance.
These hand-hammered pieces are crafted using traditional techniques passed down for generations, making them both functional and artistic. In 2025, Turkish copperware continues to be a popular choice for travelers, with artisans adding modern touches while preserving age-old designs.
Whether you’re looking for a stylish serving tray or an authentic Turkish tea set, these metalworks make for an elegant and timeless souvenir.
- Where to Buy: Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar, Gaziantep markets
- Pro Tip: Opt for hand-hammered items for authenticity.
13. Meerschaum Pipes
Carved from a rare mineral found primarily in Turkey, meerschaum pipes are among the best things to buy from Turkey for collectors and smoking enthusiasts.
These handcrafted pipes are known for their intricate carvings, lightweight feel, and ability to enhance the flavor of tobacco over time.
In 2025, meerschaum pipes continue to be a coveted item, with artisans in Turkey producing exquisite designs that showcase both tradition and skill.
Whether you're purchasing one as a collectible or for personal use, a Turkish meerschaum pipe is a timeless and valuable keepsake.
- Where to Buy: Eskisehir, specialty tobacco shops in Istanbul
- Pro Tip: Choose lightweight pieces for the best quality.
14. Turkish Honey & Nuts
Turkey is renowned for producing some of the finest honey and nuts, making them among the best things to buy from Turkey.
The country is especially famous for pine honey, chestnut honey, pistachios, and hazelnuts, which are rich in flavor and packed with health benefits.
In 2025, demand for organic and high-quality natural products continues to rise, and Turkish honey is sought after for its purity and unique taste.
Whether you’re looking for a nutritious treat or a premium gift, these Turkish delicacies are a must-buy.
- Where to Buy: Local markets, Spice Bazaar
- Pro Tip: Look for organic and unprocessed varieties.
15. Hammam & Skincare Products
Indulge in Turkish bath culture with olive oil soaps, natural scrubs, and hammam towels, which are among the best things to buy from Turkey.
These products are deeply rooted in the country’s wellness traditions and are known for their high-quality, all-natural ingredients.
In 2025, the demand for authentic Turkish hammam essentials continues to grow, making them a thoughtful gift or a perfect way to bring a piece of Turkey’s spa experience back home.
- Where to Buy: Turkish bathhouses, specialty stores
- Pro Tip: Buy a complete hammam set for a luxurious home spa experience.
16. Authentic Ottoman Calligraphy Art
Ottoman calligraphy art is one of the best things to buy from Turkey, featuring intricate Arabic and Turkish script designs inspired by historical poetry and religious texts.
This elegant art form reflects the grandeur of the Ottoman Empire and makes for a meaningful keepsake or home decor piece.
In 2025, demand for authentic handcrafted calligraphy continues to rise, with skilled artisans producing exquisite framed pieces and scrolls that preserve this timeless tradition.
- Where to Buy: Art galleries in Istanbul, specialty markets
- Pro Tip: Opt for framed pieces for easy transport.
Tips for Indian Travelers Shopping in Turkey
Finding Authentic Products
- Shop at reputable stores to avoid mass-produced tourist items.
- Always check for handmade authenticity, especially for carpets, ceramics, and jewelry.
Understanding Local Pricing & Bargaining Etiquette
- Bargaining is expected in Turkish bazaars; start by offering 30-40% less than the quoted price.
- For fixed-price stores, compare prices before making a purchase.
Navigating Turkey’s VAT Refund System
- Tourists can claim a VAT refund on purchases over a certain amount.
- Keep your receipts and claim the refund at the airport before departing.
Packing & Customs Regulations
- Certain food items like honey, nuts, and spices are allowed in India, but check the limits.
- Avoid carrying antiques or artifacts without proper documentation.
Conclusion
Shopping in Turkey is an unforgettable experience, offering everything from historic handicrafts to gourmet delights.
Whether you’re looking for home decor, fashion accessories, or delicious treats, these 16 best things to buy from Turkey ensure you bring back a piece of Turkish culture with you.
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Happy shopping!