SHOPPING IN CAPPADOCIA

Cappadocia is the perfect place to explore shops, buy your souvenirs and local crafts. Many of the famous Turkish items come from this region, are traded in, or transported through this region on the way to Istanbul and the coastal areas. The relaxed shop keepers in this area allow you to leisurely enjoy the shops without high-pressured sales techniques.

At Turkish Heritage Travel, we are aware that not all our guests are interested in shopping, so instead of including shopping visits to our excursions, we arrange either half or full day shopping tours or include visits to workshops at the end of the tours with only guests who would like to attaned.

If you're looking for something specific we can take you to the best shops in the area. Each shop we work with offers the best quality, selection and fairest rates. We also offer buyer guarantees and assistance after your purchase. We can help with the negotiation, certificates of authenticity and also help mediate if any item is not received as purchased or there is a delay in shipping.

We only work with reputable local shops to ensure you have the best shopping experience possible.

Some of the more popular shopping items available in Cappadocia are:

Carpets and Kilims: Cappadocia is well-known for the beautiful kilims – available in many colors, designs and sizes – these flat-woven works of art are perfect for the floor, table or wall. They also fold flat to fit into your suitcase or in a complimentary carry-on bag. Some of the most famous kilims in Turkey come from the Yahyahli region, just 2 hours from Goreme. The nomadic women of this area create the kilims from start to finish in their yurts (tents) along the mountain side in summer. From spinning and dyeing the wool using natural plants, to weaving their own designs and motifs, they create unique works of art that last for generations.

Turkish carpets are also available in Cappadocia. Any size, color, design, and quality you desire. There are thousands of carpet shops around Turkey – we take you to our favorite shops which offer the best quality, selection, guarantee and prices. All carpet & kilim shops also offer world-wide shipping to your home.

These shops also offer free carpet and kilim demonstrations – taking you through the spinning & dyeing process to the meaning of the motifs used and the differences in knot or weaving technique, materials used and how to determine the best type of carpet or kilim for you.

We also offer Kilim Tours to this region from May to September.

Pottery: Cappadocia has been famous since Hittite times for the beautiful and unique pottery using the ancient kick-wheel technique. For generations, artisan families in the town of Avanos have created unique family designs. They also recreate ancient Hittite pottery pieces. We offer many options from small, old-world pottery shops located inside caves in the old city - to large shops offering extensive selections on all types of Avanos pottery.

Each location offers pottery demonstrations with master artisans – and you can even try your hand using the ancient kick-wheel technique! All pottery shops can wrap your purchased safely to transport home in your luggage, or offer world-wide shipping to your home.

Jewelry: Cappadocia offers artisan jewelry with unique designs as well as licensed recreations from the Sultan's jewelry collection from the Ottoman Empire. The local jewelers we work with are revered for their beautiful designs, use of precious metals and stones and exquisite quality. The shops also offer tours of their workshops and explain the types of jewelry made as well as the Sultan's collection pieces.

Handcrafts and Local Artists: The local women of Cappadocia create amazing knitted, crocheted and beaded items such as scarves, jewelry, knitwear and dolls. Small groups of local women can be seen in warmer seasons sitting outside their homes crafting on cushions and discussing the daily events of village life.

Some women also offer home visits to see the way they live in the old cave homes and will gladly present their crafts for purchase. Many of the local shops sell these handcrafts as well. These beautiful, unique and affordable handcrafts are perfect gifts to bring home as well a chance to support the local villagers.

There are also several local artists, sculptors, painters, etc that exhibit their works around the area or in their homes. If you're looking for a unique piece of art from Cappadocia, we can introduce you to the local artists of Cappadocia.

Please contact us at info@goreme.com to arrange a Shopping Excursion in Cappadocia.