22 Best Turkey Souvenirs: What to Buy in Turkey

One of the best things about visiting Turkey is how easy it is to find souvenirs you’ll genuinely want to take home.

I’ve spent time exploring places like Istanbul and Bodrum, and one thing that always stands out is the variety. From bustling bazaars to small local shops, you’ll find everything from handmade crafts to seriously good food products.

This isn’t the kind of place where you leave with generic T-shirts and keychains. Turkey does tradition, craftsmanship and flavor really well, so it’s worth bringing home something that reflects that.

If you’re wondering what to buy in Turkey, here are some of the best souvenirs to look out for.

Turkish Bath Towels

Turkish towels, or pestemals, are one of the most practical Turkish souvenirs you can buy.

They’ve been used in traditional hammams since Ottoman times and are made from Turkish cotton, which is known for its long fibers. That’s what makes them soft, absorbent and quick-drying.

They’re also much thinner than regular towels, so they don’t take up much space in your bag. I’ve used mine as a beach towel, scarf and even a blanket on flights, so it’s one of those souvenirs you’ll keep using long after your trip.

Turkish Delight

Turkish delight – or lokum – is a gelatinous candy made from sugar, water and starch. It dates back to the Ottoman Empire and comes in a huge range of flavours like rose, pomegranate, lemon and pistachio. Some versions are filled with nuts, others are softer and more jelly-like.

Quality varies quite a bit, so it’s worth buying from a reputable shop or market. If you’re in Istanbul, the Spice Bazaar is a great place to sample a few before choosing a box.

Spices

Turkey has a long history as part of the ancient spice routes, and you can still see that influence today.

Markets like the Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar in Istanbul are filled with colourful displays of spices like cumin, paprika, saffron, sumac and dried chili varieties like Urfa and Maras peppers.

They’re a great souvenir if you enjoy cooking, and they make it easy to recreate Turkish dishes at home. Plus, they’re lightweight and easy to pack.

Rugs and Carpets

Turkish rugs and carpets are one of the most iconic souvenirs from Turkey. Many are handwoven using techniques that have been passed down for generations, and different regions have their own distinct patterns and styles. Materials range from wool to silk, depending on the quality and price.

They can be a bit of an investment, but if you’re looking for something meaningful and long-lasting, this is one of the best things to buy in Turkey.

Nazar Boncugu

You’ll see the Nazar Boncugu, or evil eye, everywhere in Turkey. This blue and white glass charm is believed to protect against bad luck and negative energy. It’s a big part of Turkish culture and is often hung in homes, cars or businesses.

You can buy it in all forms, from simple keychains to more decorative pieces. It’s one of the easiest and most affordable Turkish souvenirs to bring home.

Hookah Pipes

Hookah pipes, known locally as nargiles, are closely tied to Turkey’s café culture.

Traditionally used for smoking flavoured tobacco, they’re still found in lounges and social spaces, especially in cities like Istanbul.

The designs can be quite intricate, often made with glass bases and metal detailing. Even if you don’t plan to use one, they make a unique decorative souvenir.

Tea

Tea, or çay, is a huge part of everyday life in Turkey.

It’s grown mainly in the Black Sea region, particularly around Rize, where the climate is ideal for tea production. It’s a strong black tea, usually served without milk in small tulip-shaped glasses.

You’ll be offered tea constantly while traveling around Turkey, whether you’re shopping or just taking a break. Bringing some home, along with a few traditional glasses, is a nice way to recreate that experience.

Gold Jewelry

Turkey is well known for its gold, and it’s easy to see why once you start browsing.

Jewelry here often reflects Ottoman and Byzantine influences, with both intricate and simple designs available. Gold is typically high purity, often 18k or higher.

The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul is one of the best places to shop, and prices are often more competitive than in many Western countries.

Turkish Coffee

Turkish coffee is a long-standing element of Turkish culture and is recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage.

It’s made using very finely ground coffee and brewed in a small pot called a cezve. The coffee is served unfiltered, which means the grounds settle at the bottom of the cup.

It’s also traditionally associated with fortune telling, where the leftover grounds are used to “read” your future. As souvenirs go, coffee, cups and cezves are all easy to bring home.

Tea Sets

A Turkish tea set is one of the more decorative souvenirs you’ll come across.

Most include the iconic tulip-shaped glasses along with saucers and sometimes a double teapot (çaydanlık), which is used to brew strong tea and dilute it to taste.

You’ll find everything from simple sets to more ornate designs with detailed patterns. It’s a nice mix of practical and decorative.

Cappadocia Pottery

Cappadocia has a long history of pottery making that dates back thousands of years.

The region’s red clay is used to create everything from plates and bowls to traditional wine jugs called küp. Many workshops still use ancient techniques, including foot-powered pottery wheels.

If you’re visiting Cappadocia, you’ll likely see demonstrations, which makes buying a piece feel a bit more special.

Soap

Turkish soap is known for being natural and gentle on the skin.

Many are made using olive oil and other natural ingredients, and you’ll often see varieties with added elements like rose, clay or goat’s milk. The city of Edirne is particularly known for its rose soaps.

They’re small, affordable and easy to pack, which makes them great for gifts as well.

Musical Instruments

Traditional Turkish instruments are another interesting souvenir option.

Instruments like the saz (a string instrument) are commonly found in markets, especially in more touristy areas. They reflect Turkey’s rich musical traditions, which blend influences from Central Asia, the Middle East and Europe.

Even if you don’t play, they can make unique decorative pieces.

Lanterns

Turkish lanterns are one of the most eye-catching things you’ll see in markets.

They’re usually made from coloured glass set into metal frames, often in intricate geometric patterns influenced by Ottoman design. When lit, they cast colourful patterns that create a really warm atmosphere.

They’re a bit fragile, but worth the effort if you want something decorative.

Pashmina and Scarves

Scarves are one of the easiest things to pick up in Turkey, and they’re usually worth a look.

There’s a good mix of styles, from silk scarves (Bursa is especially known for these) to thicker wool and cashmere options. You’ll find both traditional designs and more understated ones, depending on what you prefer.

Baklava

Baklava is one of the most famous Turkish desserts, and it’s even better when you try it fresh.

It’s made from layers of phyllo pastry, filled with nuts like pistachios or walnuts, and soaked in syrup. Gaziantep is particularly known for its pistachio baklava, which is considered some of the best.

You can buy boxed versions to take home, and they usually travel quite well.

Leather Goods

Turkey has a long-established leather industry, and it’s one of the better places in Europe to shop for it.

You’ll find everything from jackets and bags to belts and shoes, often made from good quality leather at pretty reasonable prices. In places like Istanbul, some shops will even tailor jackets to fit, which is worth doing if you have the time.

Cities like Istanbul and Izmir are especially known for leather shopping, with plenty of choice ranging from small independent stores to larger showrooms.

Pistachios

Turkey, particularly the Gaziantep region, is famous for its pistachios.

They’re smaller than the ones you might be used to, but they have a much stronger, richer flavour. You’ll notice them straight away in things like baklava, where they’re used pretty generously.

You can buy them loose in markets or packaged in shops, and they’re easy to bring home. Either way, they make a great snack or a simple gift.

Olive Oil

Turkey is one of the world’s major producers of olive oil, especially in the Aegean region. Varieties made from olives like Ayvalık and Memecik are known for their flavour, which can range from mild and fruity to quite peppery.

Olive oil is widely used in Turkish cooking, and if you enjoy food souvenirs, it’s something you’ll definitely use at home.

Ceramics

Turkish ceramics, particularly Iznik-style pottery, are known for their bold colours and detailed designs. You’ll often see patterns featuring flowers, leaves and geometric shapes in shades of blue, red and turquoise.

Many pieces are still handmade using traditional techniques and they’re a great way to bring a bit of Turkish design into your home.

Raki

Raki is Turkey’s national drink and is sometimes referred to as “lion’s milk”. This anise-flavoured spirit is made from grapes and turns milky white when mixed with water. It’s usually enjoyed slowly alongside food, especially meze.

Raki isn’t for everyone, but if you enjoyed it while traveling, it’s a nice reminder of those long, relaxed meals.

Backgammon Sets

Backgammon, or tavla, is played everywhere in Turkey. You’ll see people playing in cafés, parks and along the waterfront, especially in cities like Istanbul. Because of this, there are lots of beautifully crafted boards available.

Many are made from wood with detailed inlays, making them both functional and decorative.

A Final Word

Turkey is one of those places where it’s very easy to come home with more than you planned.

Between the food, the markets and all the handmade stuff, there’s a lot to choose from. But if you focus on things that are local, you’ll end up with souvenirs that feel a lot more meaningful than anything mass-produced.

And ideally, something you’ll still be using (or eating) long after the trip.