Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
CARPETS & KILIMS
Asking locals for a recommendation when it comes to rug shops can be something of a
knotty subject. This industry is rife with commissions, fakes and dodgy merchandise, so
you need to be very careful when making a purchase. Don't fall for the shtick of touts on
the street - these guys never, ever work for the truly reputable dealers.
Scam artists abound in the carpet trade. Be extremely wary in all of your negotiations
and dealings.
CERAMICS
Turkish ceramics are beautiful and the standard fare fits within most budgets. Many of the
tiles you see in the tourist shops have been painted using a silkscreen printing method and
this is why they're cheap. Hand-painted bowls, plates and other pieces are more expensive
- the best have original designs and are painted without the use of a carbon-paper pattern.
amples.
FASHION
The local fashion industry is thriving and there are plenty of chains, department stores and
boutiques to investigate. Head to Serdar-ı Ekrem Sokak in Galata, to Cihangir and to
Nişantaşı to find the most interesting boutiques.
GLASSWARE
İstanbul produces some unique glasswork, a legacy of the Ottoman Empire's affection for
glassware that is mass produced at its factory on the upper Bosphorus.
INLAID WOOD
Local artisans make jewellery boxes, furniture, and chess and backgammon boards that
are inlaid with different-coloured woods, silver or mother-of-pearl. Make sure the piece
really does feature inlay. These days, alarmingly accurate decals exist. Also, check the sil-
ver: is it really silver, or does it look like aluminium or pewter? And what about that
mother-of-pearl - is it in fact 'daughter-of-polystyrene'?
JEWELLERY
İstanbul is a wonderful place to buy jewellery, especially pieces made by the city's grow-
ing number of artisans making contemporary pieces inspired by local culture. You'll find
great examples around (but not inside) the Grand Bazaar, in Galata and in Nişantaşı.
