The Best Places To Buy Souvenirs And Local Crafts In Ankara Turkey

From brand stores to the city’s classic crafts and antique shops, Ankara has plenty of options when it comes to buying a few souvenirs to remember your trip. Whether you’re looking for handmade textiles, copper goods, or carpets, check out our list of the best places to buy beautiful souvenirs in Ankara.

Çıkrıkçılar Yokuşu & Saman Pazarı

The Çıkrıkçılar Yokuşu/Saman Pazarı neighborhood is the city’s most popular open-air bazaar, selling everything imaginable such as traditional Turkish copper goods, antiques, textiles, carpets, and jewelry. The two main streets that have the most shops are Koyunpazarı and Can Sokak, where you’ll find the best shops selling all your souvenir related needs. Wander around the cobblestone streets and check out the shops located within old Ottoman houses for an experience that’s far removed from the city’s hectic energy.

One of our favorite rows of shops lies alongside the Divan Çukurhan Brasserie entrance, where you’ll find handmade jewelry and handicrafts as well as an olive oil shop. Another great stop is Pirinç Han, a two-floor arcade with many little antique shops on both floors and a relaxing café in the courtyard.

Altındağ Mahallesi, Pirinç Han, Ankara

1. Bakırcılar Çarşısı

Bazaar, Shop

Located at the end of Çıkrıkçılar Yokuşu on Salman Sokak is the city’s famed Bakırcılar Çarşısı (Copper Bazaar). Here you can find traditional handmade copper goods such as Turkish coffee pots, long handled pots and pans, hand made circular trays, and the Ottoman style güğüm (water jug). You’ll often see the shop’s craftsmen working on their wares, an impressive process that demands experience and meticulous technique. About a ten-minute walk uphill you’ll also find the many shops around the Ankara Castle, which also sell a variety of Ankara related souvenirs.

2. Geleneksel El Sanatları

Shop

The shop belonging to the Traditional Hand Crafts Stores Directorate (GES) is also another excellent place to get traditional handmade goods from craftsmen and women from all over Turkey. Dedicated to reaching Turkish artists and designers all over the country, GES was established in 2005 and researches, develops, and supports the production and promotion of traditional handcrafts. You’ll find beautiful İznik ceramics, colorful carpets, textiles, jewelry, decorative glass objects, and even Meerschaum pipes all handmade and unique.

3. Vakko

If you’re looking for a more luxurious present or souvenir, then Vakko (Turkey’s foremost luxury fashion brand) should definitely be on your list. Inside you’ll not only find women’s and men’s garments, shoes, and bags, but also home items such as bedding, towels, kitchen textiles, cushions, and decorative objects with modern and traditional motifs. Apart from having their own brand of chocolate, Vakko is also famous for their 100% silk scarves with traditional Turkish and ethnic motifs.

Gaziosmanpaşa Mah. Arjantin Cad. No:2 Kavaklıdere +90 312 466 10 81

4. Paşabahçe

One of Turkey’s top brands for everything made of glass, Paşabahçe’s special collections are one of the best ways to bring traditional Turkish wares into your home. Whether it’s Ottoman inspired ornaments, ceramics with İznik motifs, or Beykoz style hand-painted gold and floral glass objects, you’ll end up buying a few things for yourself as well as gifts for loved ones. If you’re looking for something simpler, Paşabahçe also has great Turkish coffee and tea glasses plus accessories, so you can take the Turkish tradition home with you.

Çankaya Mah. İran Cad. No:8A/3, Çankaya +90 850 206 21 00

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