We are planning a trip to Turkey (Selcuk, Cappadocia and Istanbul in that order) and I am trying to plan ahead for my shopping expenditures- shopping being one of my favorite activities while traveling (in and around historical sights, eating, etc.). My question: what are the relative prices of things like the flat Turkish towels (NOT terrycloth), pottery, copper pieces and kilims, and where are the best places to purchase them? I have heard great reviews of Jennifer's in the Arasta bazaar (Istanbul), but wonder if prices and selection might be better in the Selcuk and/or Cappadocia regions. Also wonder about your experience with shipping, including using resources like Mailboxes, Etc. from Turkey (I have had great luck with them shipping from Spain and Italy). Thanks for any help you can give!

Cappadocia produces a lot of ceramics. Avanos is a major center, and the underground work shops (in caves, which allows the ceramics to dry slowly in an even temperature) are open to the public. The good stuff is very expensive.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mksfca/...57622933537559

There was a young woman selling pottery in front of the old mosque at the base of the hill with the ruins of the Basilica of St. John but on the opposite side of the center of town. Her English was limited, so we could not tell if she made the pottery, or just painted it, or if she was only the seller., But she had colorful little bowls about 3" in diameter that are perfect as souvenir gifts. We use one of them for our table salt.

As for kilims, there are dealers in the old caravanserai in the Kayseri bazaar who may be cheaper than Istanbul.

I found the shopping in Cappadocia (Goreme) the best of anywhere we went.

If you are around Pamukkale to Denizli, cotton towels are plenty. otherwise Istanbul is the place. Pottery Cappadocia, Kelims depending on what you are looking for Istanbul or Cappadocia. leather Istanbul or Kusadasi. Copper ıstanbul.
Have a great trip,
Murat