For a long time, shops across Turkey have openly displayed counterfeit goods, including watches, bags, sunglasses and t-shirts, which target many well-known Western brands. . Most tourists are delighted to receive almost the same thing at half the price, and Turkey's counterfeit industry has grown into a multi-millionaire business. However, understandably, brands like Gucci and Nike have become quite reserved towards the Turkish market. As a result, Turkey recently prevented the sale of counterfeit, branded items, so these have not always been available in recent years.

However, an example of fakes that do not benefit the buyer are Persian rugs and Turkish rugs. The fake carpets produced by the Chinese factory are considered genuine Turkish goods. Buyers pay full price for something that doesn't even look like an authentic item. If you want to buy a rug, look carefully and don't make a hasty purchase.

Finally, in some places, scammers sell antique imitations that are ideal souvenirs to take home. Counterfeit coins are sold at the ancient ruins of Ephesus, the Church of Saint John and the Temple of Artemis in Selcuk. It is illegal to take any antiques out of Turkey without written permission. It is rarely given out so avoid anyone selling antique carpets, coins or artifacts from excavations.

Persian and Turkish rugs

Some people buy Turkish or Persian rugs because they like the patterns and the story of how they are made. Unfortunately, many people bought one because they couldn't take their eyes off the clerk. Carpet sellers in Turkey often work on commission, so sometimes the sales process is very demanding and customer-focused.

After thirty minutes, the seller says that you are his best friend so you will get a special price. After 1 hour, he says the rug is actually kept for someone else, but he likes you more, so be ready to give up your integrity to sell it.

After 60 minutes, you bought the carpet and couldn't help but feel sorry for him because he said he was struggling to feed his six children and pay for his brother's medical bills in the hospital. He openly tells you this while wearing loads of jewelry and using the latest cell phone model.

If you really want one, remember the warnings about counterfeits and overpriced items.

Turkish delight cake

Available everywhere and in a variety of flavors, Turkish delight pastries are cheap and easy to pack but always check the expiry date on them. Most souvenir shops offer samples and sell special offers like buy five, get one free. The best Turkish delight pastries are said to come from the Safranbolu region of the Black Sea. If you are in Istanbul, make your way to Haci Bekar in the Eminonu district. The family of the man who invented Turkish delight for an Ottoman sultan still owns the shop and it is a living museum of the dish.

Turkish tea and glass

When tourists come to Turkey for the first time, they often want to buy a tea bag to take back as a gift. However, when they left Turkey, they brought home boxes of apple tea. Unfortunately, the Turks rarely drink it! Turkish tea is black, highly sweet and is drunk from tulip-shaped cups. Traditional black tea and various designs of small tea cups with accompanying spoons and trays are perfect souvenirs to take home.

Nargile pipe

The nargile, also known as the Turkish smoking pipe, originated in India and was found on the Silk Road to Turkey during the Ottoman Empire. The unique variety of tobacco flavors including apple, raspberry and banana make it more of a social smoker than a habit. Make sure the store packs it up so you can take it home, but if you can't take it home, try smoking it at the casual coffee shops.

Nazar Boncuk - Devil's Eye of Turkey

The most popular and famous souvenir in Turkey is the blue demon eye, also known as Nazar Boncuk. It is also the most authentic item you can buy as the Turks use it extensively in their homes and offices and give it as a gift to a newborn baby. Souvenir shops sell the blue demon eye in a variety of forms including amulets, key chains, bookmarks, jewelry, pottery, and lapel badges.

Yellow

Many people think gold is cheaper in Turkey but it is only a carat more than gold sold in countries like the UK. Gold is also an important commodity in the country because the Turks traditionally give it as a gift at weddings. Shops can also craft items according to your wishes. The gold shops in Turkey are called Kuyumcu, and if you visit the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, there are many of them. Just remember to haggle on price.

Turkish Mosaic Lamp

Excellently crafted to a high standard and made from glass and brass, the Turkish mosaic lamp looks very eye-catching. They are not ideal for lighting a room but are perfect for decoration. Skilled artisans make each lamp by hand, with many colors such as emeralds or rubies, expensive prices. If you buy one, ask the store to pack it well so it can withstand the pressure in your suitcase.

Ceramic souvenir ideas

Turkish ceramics dates back to the 8th century, when Islamic art was the main reason for its production, especially in the wall and ceiling tiles of mosques. Since then, modern factory ceramics have cost more than traditional handcrafted versions, but places like Iznik and Kutahya still have a historic reputation as producing the finest fine art ceramics. For forms like bowls, plates, ashtrays, mini vases, plates and more, carefully check your authentic piece of Turkish pottery as there is a high chance it could be made in China. Country.

Products from copper

Copper has been a household favorite for centuries in Turkey, and in some cities like Gaziantep, copper markets are still going strong, despite the tendency to produce factory-made pots and pans. Perhaps the most famous bronze souvenirs are the Turkish coffee pots and cups. If they are truly handcrafted, this is an expensive item to buy but worth the quality of the artisans who made it.

Turkish seasoning

Sold separately or in small decorative boxes, it is easy to pack and last a long time. Istanbul's Spice Market is a great place to buy these but beware of the saffron scam. Real Turkish saffron is difficult to buy and extremely expensive. The versions sold are actually dried safflower.

Turkish Coffee

This is a strong drink with a nutty flavor, so I recommend trying it out first to make sure you'll enjoy it. There is also an exact method which is to use cezve pot to make it and it is drunk from specially made small cups, so to complete the experience and recreate the taste you need to buy both this coffee.

Turkish Onyx Stone

Is Turkey suitable for Onyx rock formation and skilled artisans around the country sculpt it into chess sets, spice bowls, decorative ashtray bowls, bathroom fixtures, ashtrays and flower vase. Onyx souvenirs are quite pricey, but that's because they are completely handmade. Many workshops hold exhibitions to see the onyx masters at work. These artisans display complex skills and have spent hundreds of hours learning the craft, so prices for Onyx products are often very high.

Leather

Sold as coats, belts, handbags, handbags and purses, leather goods are highly sought after in Turkey for their excellent quality at half the price of products in other European countries. . However, what is worth mentioning is the quality of the leather. You should check carefully so that you don't buy fake or poor quality leather products by mistake.

Lemon Cologne Essential Oil

Lemon Cologne has many uses in Turkey. It repels mosquitoes and relieves itching caused by bites. On hot summer days, it's also refreshing, and during the Seker Bayram festival, stores offer it to their customers. It's sold everywhere for incredibly cheap prices, so even if you don't go souvenir shopping in Turkey, have a small bottle ready to take with you when you travel around.