I fondly thought that I wouldn't buy anything while traveling. It's because I get carried away once I start. However, this time I feel I should bring something back from Istanbul since it's the last leg of my journey. Something light and small and not too expensive.

Any idea or suggestion on this?
Thanks for all the help!

A nice dime bag might yield an interesting day at customs.

My usual stand-by souveniers are T-shirts, candy and calendars. I don't know your gender, but I found some very unique ladies scarves in Istanbul. If you go to the bazaar, you will find many items to fit your specifications.

Unless you want to extend your stay in Turkey by many years, don't go around asking for a dime bag. Bad boy, Edward.

Ahh, I finally can contribute something...

Get some small cups/saucers or tea sets. Some come with a stirrer spoon.
They are all very cheap, unique, mostly hand paint and individually designed. You can use them or frame them up for decorations. Small and handy too.

Have a nice trip. Enjoy and please report to us. I am planning a trip there too.

I bought several handpainted bowls which I enjoy. I also got a leather shoulder bag which has a piece of a kilim on the body of it. I got a nice pepper grinder and a variety of peppers. I bought these at the spice bazaar or the Arasta bazaar, which is the one behind the Blue Mosque. I saw lots of nice-looking slippers. If you like handcarved pipes, Turkey is known for its meerschaum. My husband got a sweet meerschaum pipe at the Arasta bazaar, too.

We did manage to buy a small kilim and carry it home. For a rug purchase, it's inexpensive ($350). So even if this isn't really "inexpensive", it is for it's the kind of purchase it is.
Paule

Sorry, I missed. I mean small bowls too, they are great to fame up.

just returned from a week's trip to istanbul ... my suggestions? again, the small painted bowls (about 4 inches in diameter) which look wonderful grouped together on a counter top. the nicest pottery/ceramic stores i found were in the arasta bazaar right next to the blue mosque. pashminas? they come in a million colors and patterns, are light and can be rolled up, and many stalls carry them in the grand bazaar. a small water ewer (looks like a wine decanter with a handle and spout), is made of alloyed brass and is etched with designs found on many pieces in the topkapi palace, including the sultan's signature. stalls in the grand bazaar carry them as well.

happy hunting from one who will NEVER believe that less is more !!

annie

I have been wodering the same thing myself. One possibility is a small Hereke prayer rug, 2x3', preferably silk, can potentially pay for your trip.

Does anyone know the Turkish and US customs' customs re: Hereke or other silk rugs?

Thanks

-e

If you have the least bit of foodie inclination, by all means pick up some saffron - not the prepackaged tourist stuff, but some of the really good type. A local contact tipped me off that much of the saffron you see in the nifty little plastic discs has actually been dyed to look better, and is just the top layer, what is behind is substandard. Look for the loose kind where you can see all of it; the Iranian is alleged to be the best.
In terms of ceramics, use caution again because there is a great deal of mass produced junk at inflated prices. The better stuff has a high quartz content, more like chinaware.

Tiaw, I bought some beautiful embroidered pillow cases, as well as small items of silverware in the Grand Bazaar. All that I bought was very reasonably priced, as well as non breakable or bulky.

My Hereke (gift for friend) carpet came in thru US Customs and delivered to my front door. Nothing due! Authentic carpets (in '99) were permitted duty-free. But you should always verify beforehand... things do change.

Another vote for "real" safron. Great for yourself and as gifts.

Thank you, Sandi!

A tape worm.