Affordable yet Precious Turkish Souvenirs
Shopping for Turkish Lace, Glassware and Gold Coins
Jun 6, 2009
The current economic situation is not inducive to spending money like water. A trip to Turkey already doesn't come cheap, but apart from historic sites and enticing beaches, Turkey is famous for her long tradition of arts and crafts.
Silk carpets, leather, ceramics and lavish gold jewelry tempt the visitor at every corner and it's difficult to make a choice. Needless to say that carpets, although beautiful, cost a bundle and the same is true for the intricate, mostly 21carat and heavy gold necklaces, earrings and bracelets. Yet, there are three alternatives which are affordable and guaranteed not to gather dust on a shelf like the Goofy hat from Disneyland.
Turkish Gold Coins
The traditional gift for any Turkish wedding, birth or circumcision is gold, often in the form of coins. Hence, every jeweler, even in the smallest town, carries a huge variety to suit anybody's financial means.
The coins are newly minted, show traditional Ottoman designs and come provided with a pin and bow to be attached either to the bride's gown or the baby's clothes. A red bow signifies good luck and is for weddings, a blue bow is for the birth of a boy and pink for a baby girl.
According to size and weight a gold coin, which is wrapped in a pretty box with another bow attached, may cost from about $40 upwards. Why not bring back one as a unique gift for the next upcoming wedding, baby shower or birthday party?
The gift of gold in Turkey is actually meant as an investment and stash for the young couple or the child to fall back on, if times get financially difficult. A gold coin is not only a pretty souvenir and easy to transport but also good value for money.
Turkish Lace
Hand made lace has a long tradition in Turkey. The patterns are intricate and, in smaller villages, women can still often be observed, sitting with their crochet hooks and producing the finest lace. The traditional patterns are called oya and nahillan and originate from Bursa in Anatolia, which was the lacemaking center in the 12th century.
The material is cotton, silk, wool, gold or silver thread and the lace is often adorned with tassels, beads or sequins. The original nahillans and oyas expressed emotions as well as the fact that the woman wearing it was married, in love, a young bride or a widow.
Today's lace is still often handmade, but even the industrial products are pretty. Lace can either be bought by the yard, or as edgings for towels, pillows, curtains and throws. The cheapest way is to buy several yards of lace, take them home and sew onto whatever item inspires the fantasy and imagination.
Turkish Glass
Like lacemakers, gold- and silversmiths, Turkish glassmakers have a long tradition. The 16th century saw the height of the craftmanship, but today's products, many of them still handmade, are not far behind.
An inexpensive souvenir and a "must" for any trip to Turkey is the Nazar Bonjuk or Turkish eye to ward off misfortune and evil spirits. The opaque glass bead comes in all sizes and settings, from pendents to keyrings to ornate pieces to be hung over the entrance door of the home.
Sets of goblets, often tinted dark red and adorned with 21 carat gold designs, tiny perfume bottles or wine caraffes are beautiful souvenirs which can be put to everyday use at home. Many shops will ship larger or very breakable orders anywhere in the world.
The choice is big, because Turkey has such a great variety of arts and crafts. On the other hand, the abundance of choice and, not to forget, the habit of bargaining, allow for finding unique souvenirs which are affordable and will be a lasting reminder of an exotic trip.
 |
 |
 |
 |
