What to bring from Turkey
It is known that from India you should bring spices, from Germany — beer, and from the Netherlands — clogs. If, out of all the options for where to go abroad for a seaside vacation, you chose the country of hammams — let's figure out what cool things you can bring from Turkey to Russia.
Traditional souvenirs
Carpets
Carpets are not necessarily huge wall or floor coverings with images of plants, animals, and geometric patterns. In Turkey, small rugs are also made for the home (so you don't have to drag an unwieldy roll onto the plane).
Ceramics
As early as the 12th century, Turkish masters learned firing, and later glazing. Now, throughout Turkey, you can find any household item made of clay. And if you just want to admire it, you can always buy a ceramic figurine for your shelf.
Nazar Amulet
Nazar or the "Blue Eye" can also be found in any tourist spot. Everything is made with it: ceramics, jewelry, hairpins, etc. According to legend, the daughter of Prophet Muhammad, Fatima, gave this talisman to her betrothed to protect him from misfortunes. Since then, the "Blue Eye" has been considered a charm against the evil eye and other troubles. In short, it's a must-have.
Stained Glass
Lamps, jewelry, and various decorative items are also made here from stained glass. You might have seen wonderful stained glass windows in Turkey in temples and beyond. You can't take a stained glass window home, but a pendant is quite feasible.
Hookahs
A symbol of hospitality and friendliness, hookahs became popular during the Ottoman Empire. Besides their primary function, they can also serve an aesthetic purpose — Turks certainly know how to make hookahs. Made of stained glass, with various paintings and designs — what a great gift for someone who appreciates relaxation?
Lokum (Turkish Delight)
If you've ever tasted Turkish lokum, you won't forget that flavor. Melting in your mouth, with nuts, berries, and coconut flakes — an otherworldly delight. Mouth watering? Then hurry and get your flight tickets to Istanbul.
What medicines to bring from Turkey
Many medicines* in Turkey are much cheaper than, for example, in Russia. But you need to understand that for psychotropic substances and most antibiotics, you will need a doctor's prescription in the local language.
It's better to buy medicines in pharmacies further away from the city center and tourist areas. The situation with pharmacies here is similar to clothing stores — prices will differ in outlets of the same chain: the closer to the center, the higher the prices.
As soon as you've booked your tickets to Antalya, stock up on cash in the local currency — liras. Pharmacists inflate prices when converting to euros and dollars.
* Before using any medicinal products, it is necessary to consult a specialist.
What medicines to bring from Turkey:
- antipyretic,
- pain reliever,
- antihistamine;
- for heartburn,
- for diarrhea and poisoning,
- activated charcoal, iodine.
What coffee and tea
Coffee
There's no point talking about instant coffee in a country where coffee is brewed in a cezve and everyone has their own rituals for preparing it. So, we'll focus on the classics: ground coffee and Ottoman coffee.
Ground coffee in Turkey is produced by several brands, but Mehmet Efendi is considered the best. This coffee is already ready for brewing in a cezve and has a slight bitterness. "Mehmet Efendi" has been produced for over 150 years, and it remains a top choice. It's best to buy ground coffee in small packages (around 100g) so that the aroma and taste don't fade.
Ottoman coffee is a national drink found exclusively in Turkey. It vaguely resembles Indian masala chai. Ottoman coffee originally contains powdered milk, sugar, and spices, and it is also prepared in a cezve. Since this drink is a symbol of Turkey, it makes a good gift.
Tea
Black tea is considered a traditional Turkish drink, consumed here even on the hottest days. You'll agree, it's pleasant to drink a cup of tea while planning what to do in Fethiye. Moreover, tea is a symbol of hospitality: the drink will be offered to you wherever you go.
Tea leaves are cut into very small pieces to better release their taste and aroma. Traditionally, teas are named after their region of origin, the most popular being "Rize". Due to low prices, tea is usually sold in large packages. These will be difficult to bring from Turkey as a souvenir, so head to tourist areas for more compact packaging.
What alcohol to bring from Turkey
Rakı
Rakı (raki) or simply anise-flavored vodka is considered the national drink of Turkey. Rakı has an alcohol content of 40–50%, and it is usually diluted with water before drinking. Pure anise-flavored vodka is very fiery and has a strong aroma. Rakı is often sold in a beautiful bottle, so you don't have to worry about gift wrapping.
Turkish wine
It's logical to assume that in a hot country like Turkey, there would be no problems with growing grapes and making wine. Many well-known grape varieties grow in Turkey: "Cabernet Sauvignon", "Grenache", "Pinot Noir", and it might seem to many that local wines are no different from those found in Russian stores. But this is not the case.
We recommend choosing collectible wine as a gift for a loved one or a colleague (or a close colleague). Such examples can be found at Turkish wineries, for example, Kavaklidere or Doluca. You can buy a bottle of wine and take a stroll through the vineyard.
What cosmetics to bring from Turkey
Loofahs/mitts
The country is famous for its hammams and, accordingly, various gadgets for skin cleansing. An excellent gift idea to bring from Turkey is loofahs and mitts for body exfoliation. Loofahs can be made from luffa and sisal. There are also mitts for facial exfoliation, but these are silk, to avoid irritating delicate skin.
Cologne
Kolonya is a very popular cologne in Turkey, which many tourists avoid due to its composition. 80% alcohol sounds intimidating, no argument there. However, it can also be used as a disinfectant. Wipe your hands or nail scissors, the alcohol evaporates, and a pleasant lemon scent remains.
Soap
Again, thanks to the culture of baths and hammams for magnificent soap. We recommend buying two classic options: natural olive soap (any brand) and Haci Sakir. The latter is specifically used in Turkish hammams. It is unscented and cleanses perfectly.
Oils and rose water
Lavender and rose oils are a must-have as a gift from Turkey. It's not advisable to buy such items in tourist areas: their "naturalness" is often just a name. Ideally, find oil in a pharmacy or cosmetic store. Rose water is sold here in a wide variety of volumes, so you can choose the one that's right for you.
What food to bring
Street food in Istanbul, like roasted chestnuts, doesn't last long, though everyone should try it. Besides tea, coffee, and lokum, the following items are commonly brought and given as gifts from Turkey:
- olives and olive oil,
- sweets (baklava, halva, and gozinaki),
- pomegranate sauce,
- dried fruits and nuts,
- cheese.
All of these are quite easy to transport, and the products are not perishable (except for cheese). If you really want to bring cheese back from your trip for your family — check it in your luggage: it will definitely be cooler there than in the cabin.
As is clear from the list, the best products are those grown in large quantities within the country: pomegranates, olives, grapes, figs, etc. Here, these products boast a richer and brighter taste thanks to abundant sunshine and sea air.
What spices to bring from Turkey
Like any country with a hot climate, Turkey is a treasure trove of various spices. Cumin, saffron, coriander, peppers of all colors — at your service. Turkish spices are distinguished by their special pungency and spiciness. This means they are ideal for those who like it hot.
Spices can be found in all tourist meccas, but to soak up the atmosphere, we recommend buying them at bazaars. You'll haggle and immerse yourself in this universe of loud shouts, pungent smells, and a southern accent.
What to bring for a man from Turkey
A great gift for a man could be a hookah, anise-flavored vodka, or soap for a bath/hammam. Besides the classics, a good gift idea is leather goods. In Turkey, you can also find them at every turn: various bracelets, passport covers, pendants, and cases.
By the way, a super useful souvenir from Turkey would be a cezve or a Turkish coffee pot. Along with a package of Turkish or Ottoman coffee, of course.
What to bring for children
A working plan is to bring sweets for children. Among the advantages of Turkish sweets: everything is super natural, without preservatives or dyes. If a child shouldn't indulge in sweets, our advice is to buy board games.
Turkish cafes are often filled with men with tea and dominoes/backgammon in front of them. So Turks know a thing or two about games. Children's board games can be found in stores with goods for children; occasionally, they are also found in tourist meccas, but the price, of course, will be higher.
What not to export
We've already listed what you can bring from Turkey, but what can't you? We've compiled a list for you so you definitely don't have to leave anything in the trash at customs. So, you cannot export from Turkey:
- items of cultural/historical significance;
- narcotic drugs;
- switchblades and daggers. Additionally, sharp and cutting objects cannot be carried in hand luggage. If you don't want to part with your favorite nail scissors, put them in checked luggage;
- counterfeit banknotes (regardless of country);
- any items with pornographic content;
- harmful chemical substances;
- pirated and counterfeit products;
- more than 2 liters of alcoholic beverages if their strength does not exceed 22%. If higher, no more than 1 liter can be carried (this rule does not apply to Duty Free products);
- more than 600 ml of cosmetic products.
To summarize
So, the question of what to bring as a gift from Turkey is officially closed. Everything the country produces and grows — from olives to pomegranates — is infused with sun and vitamins. In general, goods from Turkey can be divided into two types: "for a taste"" and "for memory"".
The first category includes all edibles, so your loved ones can taste this amazing country. And for memory, there should be something that will stay with a person for many years and remind them of you.
We wish you to bring the most delicious treats and the strongest amulets!
