Lonely Planet İstanbul Guide

over 100 years old out of the country. In reality, though, officials are only worried about objects from the classical, Byzantine or early Ottoman eras. BATH WARES Attractive towels, peştemals (bath wraps) and bathrobes made on hand looms in southern Turkey are sold in designer bath-wares shops around the city. Other popular purchases include olive-oil soaps and hamam sets with soap, shampoo, an exfoliation glove and a hamam bowl. 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 silk-screen 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. Head to the Arasta Bazaar or Grand Bazaar to find good examples. FASHION The local fashion industry is thriving and there are plenty of chains, department stores and boutiques to investigate. Head to Nişantaşı, Tophane and Karaköy to find the most interesting boutiques.

GLASSWARE