Shopping for Souvenirs and Trinkets

When you’re visiting the Bodrum Peninsula, there’s plenty of opportunties to shop for souvenirs. The shops are open late into the night, and the bigger towns have streets dedicated to souvenir shopping, and craft stalls line the harbour districts.

If it’s your first trip to Turkey, guaranteed you won’t leave without purchasing at least one Evil Eye glass bead – which is why it’s number one on my Top 5 souvenirs from Turkey.

“Nazar Boncuğu” Turkish Evil Eye glass bead for luck and protection.

There are dozens of different sized Nazar Boncuk, the evil eye bead synonymous with a Turkish holiday. No matter where you visit, tread or travel in Turkey, you’re never more than a blink away from your next evil eye bead.

Pomegranate & hazelnut sugar-coated Turkish Delight “Lokum“

Small bags of Hazelnut and Pomegranate Turkish Delight, which are evil little enticements. I can eat a whole bag in one sitting, and still crave more. (These definitely have to go in my checked luggage, because they won’t last the flight, in my carry-on).

Turkish Bath (Hamam) Supplies: Olive Oil Soaps; Silk Mitt (Kese); Turkish Towel (Pestemal)

Kese, are the mitt used to exfoliate your skin during a Turkish bath. These handy Turkish exports come in different textures, from smooth to rough.

These three souvenirs make great gifts, because they don’t take up much room in your luggage, and they’re inexpensive to buy en-mass.

Small decorative glassware, ceramic bowl or tile

A Gourd light fixture studded with glass beads 

 

Where to Shop

• Attend one of the local markets that rotate around the Peninsula
• Stroll along the Art and Craft Stalls near any of the harbour towns and villages

How to Shop

• Tips on how to Haggle