HOW TO MAKE TRADITIONAL TURKISH TEA

Making Turkish Tea is quite simple and a must have for morning, after lunch, after dinner basically an everyday ritual for Turks.  It is so common that everyone who visits Turkey tries this delicious tea and become obsessed. 

So here it is, a recipe for a great Traditional Turkish Tea.

Things that you will need;

1 Double Copper Samovar or 1 Double Ceramic Samovar

1 Loose Turkish Tea

1 Turkish Tea Serving Set

Making Turkish Tea;

Pour 5 tea glass of water inside the larger samovar and let it boil.  Add 2 spoons of Turkish Tea to the small samovar and pour the boiled water in it. You can pour new water to the large samovar and put it on the stove, place the small samovar on the large one and let them boil for 10 mins. Your Turkish Tea is ready!

NOVEMBER COLORS ON TURKISH CERAMIC POTS AND IKATS

When it comes to Turkish Ceramics, deep colors make great contrast with warm orange and yellow. This November our artisans picked amazing colors for Turkish Ceramics, again. We wanted to introduce these beauties with the texture of our Silk Ikat fabrics. 

Find this Deep Blue Tea Pot Set here; 

http://www.grandbazaarshopping.com/product-page/f47adeab-83b1-24f9-3ff5-68321aa9d71a

And the Ceramic Bowls here;

http://www.grandbazaarshopping.com/product-page/6f0794d8-23c1-122f-22d0-a20a1f1a62d8

Find this Orange Tea Pot Set here;

http://www.grandbazaarshopping.com/product-page/2677e04d-5212-84e8-834a-ba97a8c1f190

And the Ceramic Bowls here;

http://www.grandbazaarshopping.com/product-page/4cb270c6-9e7a-a7ab-2e63-f65a9d67dd6f

And all other Turkish Handcrafts;

www.grandbazaarshopping.com

HOW TO USE 5 CM CERAMIC BOWLS

We are all after unique pieces that actually have functions at home. 

One of our Best Sellers is 5 cm Turkish Ceramic Bowls  and we would like to show you how we use these pretty bowls in Turkey.

- ORGANIZER 

Small things such as jewelry, hair pieces, coins or anything that just laying around can easily go inside these sets which make the space look organize and display your pieces in a pretty way. 

They can also used in office organizer and bring colors to the working spaces.

- KITCHEN

Do you love cooking as much as we do? Then you probably love unique kitchens too! Turkish Ceramic Bowls bring character to any kitchen and perfect for keeping your Turkish Spices in place.

- SERVING

From breakfast to candies, if you would like to add more traditional touch, you can use Turkish Trays  and serve your guests with these bowls to bring some mediterranean colors to your table.

Have a great weekend!

FALL INSPIRATIONS - MARBELLA TRIP

There is nothing more inspirational than travel. We go around Anatolia 4-5 times a month and always on top of every new piece as well as being close to our artisans. We love traveling and get even more excited when we visit all the amazing Mediterranean countries. Right before all the fall coziness starts, we decided to take a trip to beautiful Spain, Marbella.

Besides all the amazing Spanish houses, the Old Town Marbella has the cutest apartments. All in different colors and covered with bougainvilleas.  

This small cafe hosted us almost every morning for our morning  coffee and some pastry.

We spent so much time around Spanish pottery. And we will have some amazing pieces soon available online :-)

Wall decor of an iconic home inside the old town.

Yes, we did eat so much paella & tapas during the trip and we do not regret :-)

We will go back there again, it was just amazing with its beach, amazing people and of course the food!

FALL DECOR INSPIRATIONS WITH GLOBAL PIECES

Who does´t like to spend time reading houzz.com to get inspired? Well we really love getting lost in all the beautiful mansions& houses & apartments that have been touched by professional interior designers. We have listed Top 7 inspirations that you can use in your home this Fall!

1- Colors

Fall comes with some main colors such as orange, brown & blue shades. But we always have excuse to use more colors, as more color means more fun! An Oushak Rug, Eastern Posters and some unique Cushions make all the work for you.

2- Display

Displaying all the global pieces that you have collected always makes an interesting corner for your guests and a great idea to keep your memories right in front of you.

3- Clean

Mixing color in a clean way has been so popular, you do not always need to go all the way white or colors only. Modern objects blends well with old and used.

4- Luxe

East is home for palaces & fairytales. You can add some Eastern Luxe to your home with a 

Unique Vase, Ottoman Lamps or Moroccan Lamps

5- Boho

It is hard to go wrong with Boho. If you love colors, this is a great option to warm your home during Fall. We recommend some handmade Copper Tea Sets, Mosaic Lamps, Cushions and maybe even Aladdin Lamps!

We feel that we have the inspiration for our Fall Collection! To check them out;

www.grandbazaarshopping.com

BOZCAADA TURKEY, DISCOVER THIS UNQIUE ISLAND

Think of an island full of bougainvillea, fresh seafood, small bakeries and unique family owned wineshops with local wines.

I am talking about Turkey´s most romantic island, Bozcaada. Famous with its beautiful sunset, friendly locals and home to small wedding ceremonies..

Lets look a little closer to this romantic island and maybe you can add it to your top destinations for this Fall!

How to go?

Sea plane, Car or bus.

Who should you go with?

Because of its romantic aura, it is such a perfect place for couples that are looking for quite and small vacation place. It is also great a family vacation because of  its beach and the welcoming spirit.

What should you bring?

Depending on the season, we suggest to bring bathing suit, sun screen, a vacation hat (it is like a rule here, everyone wears hat!) and peshtemal towels.

When is the best time to go?

It has warm (but not too warm) weather which is perfect for summer, if you are planning to go as a couple September is the best!

What to eat?

In mornings do not forget to visit the small bakeries for freshly made poagca, börek and turkish tea. For lunch and dinner, there are great options for local seafood and you might want to try the unique Bozcaada mezes. Wine is a big thing in Bozcaada as it has its own vineyards, making Turkey´s top quality wines. Visit the local wineshops and the owners will be more than happy to tell you about the process of their wines.

Where to go?

Polente, to watch the sunset.

Mitos Beach, for it is crystal clear water.

Cicek Firini, the most famous bakery of Bozcaada with its Gumtree cookies 

Pastika Vineyard, to try their olive oil, bread and wine

Let us know if you ever visit this unique Aegean Island!

BODRUM COLLECTION, INSPIRED BY UNIQUE AEGEAN STYLE

Not a secret that we love Bodrum! More and more people started to know about this absolutely beautiful Aegean town which is actually known as St Tropez of Turkey, mostly because of the luxury stores, its beautiful marina full of amazing yachts from all over the world and basically the whole atmosphere..

But when it comes to Bodrum´s artisans, they definitely have a one of a kind style! Bodrum´s small villages are home to undiscovered and truly talented artisans. From ceramic to evil eye, cushions to kilim rugs it is a true pearl! No wonder with its beautiful nature, the time that goes happy and slowly, it wakens anyones artistic side. We always collaborate with Bodrum´s artisans and this time we have a whole collection from them so you can try this unique and clean Aegean Style decor on your very own home! This special collection will be available only for a limited time. Here are the some of the pieces we have picked for you;

Handmade Iznik Ceramic Inspired Cushion.

Handmade Evil Eye

Bodrum Inspired Light Weight Peshtemal Set of three.

Organiser Basket

Bodrum Handmade Pouf

To discover the whole collection;

EXCLUSIVE BODRUM COLLECTION

Love,

Grand Bazaar Shopping

TREND ALERT - ROUND BEACH TOWELS / PESHTEMALS

Since I have started to do yoga, I am in love with all different & colorful sports bra, leggings, yoga tops and mats! With the amazing spring&summer mornings, the best thing is to wake up around 6:00 and have a peaceful Vinyasa at the beach.

As I do it at least two times a week, I notice that the yoga mat is not that comfortable on sand, as they are rather small, I always get sands all over my hair, arms and legs at the end.
And so lately I am in love with the Round Peshtemal Towels! They are just perfect to do yoga on and if i want to jump to sea I use them to dry (they are really absorbent and dry so fast!) They are also perfect as beach towels, especially if you want a little more space to lay down and place your stuffs (cosmetic bag, sunglasses, sunscreen etc..) on the towel instead of the sand. They are thick enough to use when relaxing on hammock and maybe even as a colorful summer rug in a summer house!

You can find these amazing peshtemals HERE

4 TIPS TO ADD MEDITERRANEAN STYLE TO YOUR HOME THIS SUMMER

All the Mediterranean countries have their own unique style when it comes to home design but one thing they absolutely have common is that they are gorgeous in and out!

Stone homes with small gardens, colorful doors and laughers from a dinner table of the crowded and cosy families. Of course the beautiful turqouise Mediterranean sea have something to do with it.

We have listed 4 great tips to transform your home or just add some statement touches to bring the Mediterranean Flavor to your very own home.


                                         1- SOMETHING OLD, SOMETHING BLUE

All the shades of blue is accepted! From Turquoise to dark tones blue is the main color for the Mediterranean interiors. They make great contrast with all the summer colors.

//  Bowl

// Turkish Peshtemal

// Copper Hammam Bowl

// Olive Oil Soap

2- POTTERY

Pottery is one of the most fun part of the Mediterranean Style! Colors everywhere! You can use colorful bowls to on in your kitchen or serving, vases in your rooms or even wall clocks to brighten your walls! Another special thing of pottery is that they are all handmade by the local people.

// Turkish Ceramic Bowls

3- COPPER

We all love the look of hanging copper pans to kitchen ceiling! It is a great idea to add some handmade copper to bring the warmth to your spaces.

// Copper Mugs

// Copper Jewelry Box

// Copper Sugar Bowl

4- RUGS

Rugs are what make the rooms or outdoors feel like home and the Mediterraneans might think their home is naked if there are not enough rugs so each room have handmade rugs (can be from their grand or great parents) with great stories!

// Turkish Kilims

Love,

Grand Bazaar Shopping

WHAT IS SO SPECIAL ABOUT TURKISH OLIVE OIL SOAPS?

I remember, one of my favorite chick flick `My Big Fat Greek Wedding` where Gus Portakalos sprays Windex on everything that needs to be fixed! (ah he is the cutest!)

Well there are two things in Turkey which we use exactly like Gus and they are; Olive Oil and Yogurt

Want your hair to grow faster? Put some olive oil on it!

Sun burnt? Put some yogurt on it!

Dried hands? Olive oil!

And you can imagine how much we use olive oil soaps in daily basis or turkish hammam.

Here are the reasons why it is a good idea to use these handmade soaps;

1) Antioxidant Rich; Olive Oil is a natural source of the vitamins E and A, which fight free radicals and the benefits are there when rubbed into the skin in the form of soap.

2) Vegan; Olive Oil soap uses plant products instead of animal fat which is great when we all wish to avoid using animal products.

3) Moisturizing; Olive Oil cleans the skin without stripping away the natural oils and keeps it moisturized without blocking the pores. 

You can shop the handmade unscented Turkish Olive Oil Soaps HERE

MEDITERRANEAN COLORS FOR SPRING DECORATION

Spring is beautiful everywhere, but we must say, it is even more beautiful in Mediterranean countries!
Everyone starts using their balconies, yards and cover them with all the cheerful colors of these lands!

Thats when Turkish Ceramics come to do the job! What is more fun to have colorful handmade pieces for family dinners, tea/coffee servings or the corners that brighten the rooms!

Here are the pictures from us help for your cravings for colors!

Evil Eye is always the main piece! Even if you believe it keeps away the evil eyes or not, it sure is looking fun! Find this handmade Evil Eye and more HERE

Find these 5 cm Turkish Ceramic Bowls HERE

Ottoman Style Coffee/Tea Spoons are just perfect to add some fun to your servings! Get ready for the compliments from your guests!

You can find these handmade spoons HERE

Fun shaped Turkish Ceramic Bowls are great for dips, mezes, tapas or serving some small dishes!

Find them HERE

The most important time of the day, Tea Time! Well if you are Turkish, it is ALWAYS tea time!

And if you are a coffee person, who can say no to a cup of tea when it is served with this Handmade Turkish Tea Set!

Find this set HERE

COLORFUL DINNER TABLES WITH TURKISH CERAMICS

Spring comes with all the beautiful colors and blossoms! It is great to see colorful tulips and blue Bosphorus everyday we pass through on our way to work, it just gives the energy and make us feel reborn. Even the songs on radio changes with spring and all we want to do is go around in Istanbul´s beautiful spring and take millions of pictures!

With spring the family and friend gatherings are also get more often which we LOVE! Can be a family grill to inviting co-workers to home, there is always an excuse to prepare great dinner tables and get the compliments..

And why not bringing all the blossoms and colors to our tables with the dinnerware!
Colorful Turkish Ceramic plates and bowls, suzani and floral textiles are perfect for creating a true spring fantasy.

Here you can find great options to shop;

You can find this Istanbul Inspired set ; HERE

This set is inspired by the fun Aegean part of Turkey. You can shop the set HERE

This set is both oriental and boho! We love the mix. You can shop this unique Turkish Ceramic set HERE

You can also mix and match and create your very own dinnerware style with these amazing TURKISH CERAMIC PLATES and TURKISH CERAMIC BOWLS.

VISITING ISTANBUL - CAGALOGLU HAMAM

Turkey is well known for the traditional Turkish Hamam (Turkish Bath) and treatments. Most of these hamams have been built during Ottoman Empire with amazing details from floors to doors and ceilings. When you visit Istanbul, you have many options when it comes to visit a Turkish hamam. But there is one which named One of the 1000 places to see before you die and according to The Guardian it is World´s Number #1 bath.

This amazing Hamam was constructed in 1741 and is the last hamam to be built after a long period during the Ottoman Empire. It is the last example of it´s kind and it is special because it is still operational in our time.

The door of the Women section is on a side street called Hamam while the Men´s entrance is form the main road with two marble columns with classic stalactite capitals on both sides.

You can see many celebrity pictures (from Kate Moss to John Travolta) on the walls before the entrance that have been visited to this amazing building.

Go to this Hamam, if you have enough time make it a day to experience a traditional hamam day, it definitely worths! Even if you do not have time for the bath it is so close to the Sultanahmet area (where Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque is) so you can stop by and check out why this place has made it to the 1000 places list!

TEARDROP VASES, TURKISH CERAMICS

Who doesn´t love having unique pieces with meaningful stories behind them?

We are obsesses with these stories that each piece have on our website.

  When you are in Grand Bazaar, Istanbul, many different Turkish Ceramic styles can catch your eyes, teardrop shape is one of the most common styles that are used for making Turkish Ceramics.

We want to share the reason why they are called `Teardrop Vases´. 

They are not called 'Teardrop' only because of their shape, but their story goes back  to hundreds of years. It was believed that women in Anatolia who have lost their husbands in wars were saving their teardrops in these Teardrop vases. And today, Anatolian artisans still make these beautiful vases and dress them with traditional floral motifs. 

Here are these special vases that we have picked for you!

Daisy Hand-painted  Turkish Ceramic Teardrop Vase

Mediterranean inspired Turkish Ceramic Teardrop Vase

Golden Horn Turkish Ceramic Teardrop Vase

Floral Turkish Ceramic Teardrop Vase