At first glance, it seems that the entire working-age population of Turkey is selling something, trading in something, or at least promoting some product or store. Even if you just came to a seaside resort to swim and sunbathe, people will come up to you with a proposal to buy a variety of things - from sunglasses to handmade rugs. And if you resist the assertiveness of sellers, then the prices requested for the goods will simply defeat your defense. Because Turkey is just a paradise for a shopaholic. But in order not to be more than your aspirations at the airport with two unplanned suitcases of clothes and a 2 by 3 meter carpet, let's consider what is best to buy in Turkey.
Professional shopping in Turkey is unthinkable without three things: jewelry, textiles and leather products. The rest - if funds allow, because there will be a desire to buy, and this is certain. Hookahs, ceramics, carpets and kilims, dishes and, of course, oriental sweets will not leave anyone indifferent. But the main thing that you just need to buy in Turkey is textiles. He is always of impeccable quality. Bathrobes, bedding and towels are especially appreciated. Excursions to cotton weaving factories are even organized in this country, but, in principle, inexpensive and beautiful clothes and linen can be bought everywhere.
Cotton is not the only material that appeals to foreign buyers in Turkey. Silk dresses, scarves and scarves are also a kind of national pride of the country. But in order to guarantee the purchase of natural silk products, you need to visit the city of Bursa - the center of silk spinning. If you have not yet decided what to buy in Turkey from clothes, it is better to go to this country only in the clothes that are on you and with two empty suitcases: you will navigate on the spot and easily and thoroughly carry out thorough but not empty pockets shopping in a short time.
The same applies to leather products: shoes, belts, gloves, handbags. Turkey is the largest leather producer in the world, and therefore leather products here are much cheaper than in other countries. However, it is best to buy sheepskin coats and leather jackets in specialized stores. For example, in Istanbul, such stores are located in the districts of Mahmitpasha, Laleli and Beyazit.
Carpets and kilims are another matter. Here it is necessary to approach the matter in more detail. If you decide to buy a Turkish carpet, it is best to immediately contact a specialized store. There they will tell you that Turkey is conditionally divided into carpet-making areas, and each of them has unique traditions, its own unique drawings and ornaments that characterize this particular area. In such stores you will be shown the best samples, and you will be sure that you are buying a real product, not a fake. In Istanbul, such stores are mainly concentrated in the Sultanahmet area.
You also need to be serious about where to buy jewelry, especially from precious metals. In the markets you will be offered gold and silver at a very tempting price, but do not succumb to such a temptation: the quality of the goods will most likely correspond to the price. Jewelry stores will not only give you the necessary quality guarantee, but also help to return 18-23% of the cost of the purchased item by returning VAT at the airport. You only need to buy jewelry in stores with the “Tax Free” sign and ask the seller for the necessary documents for VAT refunds.
When shopping in Turkey, you need to remember that in the markets, the starting price is almost doubled from the real one. Haggle, and bargain frantically: Turks do not see anything shameful in bargaining, this is their national tradition. But in the stores are already fixed prices.
Shopaholics will be pleased to know that you can buy any goods in Turkey any day of the week, any time of the day or even night. In resort seaside cities, shops are open until late at night, when tourists leave the beaches and, after sunset, they go, they naively think, to the promenade, while in reality they go to shopping.