Shopping in Turkey is funny, with covered Turkish Bazaars, open-air markets and chic boutiques everywhere. From gold and carpets to ceramics, scarves and textiles , here are some examples of souvenirs and instructions on how to bargain on the prices.
NAZAR BONCUĞU: The “evil eye” is found throughout Turkey on everything from magnets and key chains to earrings and pendants. Believed to ward off envy and ill wishes, it is often handcrafted from blown glass, and sold in many shapes and sizes.
CERAMICS: Turkey has been famous since the 16th century for its ceramics. The master potters of Cappadocia still make plates, bowls, cups, tiles, and other items in traditional ways.They are sold all over Turkey for various prices depending on the item and its quality.
LEATHER: Turkish traditions have always used animal skins to make clothes so fine leather clothing & accessories are cheap. Istanbul is the trade center, but all cities have shops selling coats, skirts, dresses,vests, hats, gloves,bhandbags, wallets and many other items.
JEWELLERY: Turkish jewellery is of higher quality and cheaper than western gold. When buying silver or gold, look for the maker’s hallmark stamped into an inconspicuous part of the piece. Pewter and nickel silver are sometimes passed as sterling silver, though not by reputable dealers.
ONYX: There is an abundance of it in Turkey and skilled artisans all over the country sculpt it into chess sets, spice bowls, decorative bowls, bathroom fixtures, ashtrays and vases. If you want to take just one souvenir home, make sure it is a piece of Onyx.
Carpets and Kilims
Carpets and kilims were originally movable items for nomadic households, but Turks continued to use them,after they settled in houses. A Turkish carpet is not just a piece of woven cloth. At their best, hand-made carpets are original, one-of-a-kind works of art. While in Turkey, you will probably visit a carpet factory to see how they are made and learn information about regional traditions. One or two assistants will also begin a show: they unfurl a carpet with a flourish, toss it in the air, and let it fall to the floor. Another follows, unfurled with a crisp snap. Soon it seems to be raining carpets. It is quite an impressive show!
Bargaining on Prices
Haggling over prices is often a drawn out affair involving a comfortable seat and several glasses of tea. First, ask the price and the shop owner responds. You then, say you do not want to pay that amount but will pay X amount. The shop owner agrees, disagrees, or lowers his price again. This can go backwards and forwards many times until a price that suits both parties is agreed. Always remain good humoured and polite. Remember, it is perfectly acceptable, if you cannot agree on a price, to say, “No, Thanks!” and walk out of the shop. However, if a price is agreed, it is bad manners to change your mind. Items to bargain on include leather, jewellery, carpets, ceramics, onyx, nargile pipes, individual one-man clothes shop, any purchase that is of a substantial amount or made in bulk.| Shopping in Turkey
