The best places to buy souvenirs and traditional handicrafts in Ankara

Souvenir shopping in Turkey can be as cheap or expensive as you like but more importantly it is great fun because Turkish people sell anything and anything. Famous things to buy vary depending on where you go. In Cappadocia, for example, pottery from the town of Avanos was popular, while in Ephesus, statues of the Virgin Mary were widely sold because of the ancient city's biblical connection.

If you want to buy some souvenirs for your loved ones, these are reliable addresses for you.

Çıkrıkçılar Yokuşu & Saman Pazarı

The Cikrikcilar Yokusu / Saman Pazarı neighborhood is the city's most popular open-air market, which sells everything from traditional Turkish bronzes, antiques, textiles, carpets, and jewelry. The two main streets with the most shops are Koyunpazarı and Can Sokak, where you will find the best shops selling all kinds of souvenirs related needs for visitors. Wander around the cobblestone streets and browse the shops housed in old Ottoman houses for an experience away from the busy energy of the city.

One of the favorite shops is located along the entrance to Divan Çukurhan Brasserie, where you'll find handcrafted jewelry and handicrafts as well as an olive oil shop. Another great stop is Brass Han, a two-story covered play area with many small antique shops on both floors and a relaxing cafe in the courtyard.

Bakırcılar arşısı

Located at the end of Cikrikcilar Yokusu on Salman Sokak is the city's famous Bakırcılar Çarşısı (Bronze Market). Here you can find traditional handcrafted bronze items such as Turkish coffee pots, long-handled pots and pans, hand-made round trays and Ottoman-style gügüm (water jugs). You'll often find the shop's craftsmen crafting their wares, an impressive process that requires experience and meticulous technique. About a 10-minute walk uphill, you'll also find many shops around Ankara Castle, which also sell a variety of souvenirs related to this landmark.

Address: Salman Sokak, Ankara, 6250, Turkey

Geleneksel El Sanatları

The store of the Association of Traditional Handicraft Shops (GES) is also another great place to buy handmade items from genuine artisans and women from all over Turkey. Dedicated to reaching Turkish artists and designers around the country, GES was founded in 2005 and researches, develops and supports the production and promotion of traditional handcrafted items. out to the world. You'll find beautiful Iznik ceramics, colorful rugs, textiles, jewelry, decorative glass objects, and even unique and handcrafted Meerschaum tubes.

Address: 50 Muhsin Yazıcıoğlu Caddesi, Ankara, 6530, Turkey