TULIP FIGURE IN TURKISH CULTURE

If you have ever visited Turkey, It is hard to miss the Tulip figures that are used on ceramic walls in Blue Mosque, doors in Topkapi Palace or ceilings in Grand Bazaar.. In Turkish Culture, Tulips always have a special place and meaning. Since the Ottoman Empire, the main reason Ottoman palaces and gardens are dressed with tulips is the meaning of 'Tulip flower' in sufism.

According to Sufism, Tulip, because of its red color and shape; considered as face, cheeks and lips of the loved one. Today, you can see Tulip figures in Mosques, Palaces and even in modern Turkish Ceramics in Turkey.

You can check out our Turkish Ceramic Plates with Tulip figures to get a traditional Turkish touch to your spaces!

OTTOMAN SHERBET RECIPE

When you are walking around Grand Bazaar, wondering  how many more pictures you can take or what else to buy, you might need a cool drink to energize! You can buy a soda from any corner but what we will suggest is something more traditional; Ottoman Sherbet!

During Ottoman Empire, Grand Bazaar was where the Sultans and their families visited every time to shop fabrics, spices, gold.. Since there were no soda, during their visits they were having Ottoman Sherbets..

And today, you can still have this great drink if you can catch a `Sherbetci`(Sherbet man) around the bazaar, because you can`t find this drink in cafes or restaurants and they are the only one who sells them.

But for the ones who never tried it or once tried and miss the taste, it is not so much trouble to make it own your own :)

Here is the most popular sherbet recipe that stayed from Ottoman Empire till today!

HIBISKUS SHERBET

Hibiskus is known as a strong anti-oxidant and full of Vitamin C.

• 2 lt water
• 3 table spoon hibiskus
• 1 tea spoon carnation
• 1 fresh cinnamon
• 1/2 lime,
• 3/4 water glass sugar

Boil water, hibiscus, cinnamon, carnation and lime for 20 mins and turn the heat lower after boiling and let them boil for 20 more mins with lower heat. Refine the liquid, add the sugar and stir until the sugar melts. After it cools to room temperature, keep it in fridge and service cold.

Afiyet Olsun! (Enjoy it)

You can service your Sherbet with our Authentic ewers & Mugs; Here

And Our Unique Cups; Here

TURKISH DELIGHT IN TURKISH CULTURE

Today`s Blog post is about what comes to mind right away when some one hears Turkey: Turkish Delight.. We call it ´Lokum`in Turkish and the meaning is `Throat Relaxener`:)
You probably had it next to delicious Turkish Coffee on your visit to Turkey or maybe a friend of yours brought you this special treat! 

But why is it so special for Turkish Culture and when do we eat it?

Asking for Blessings from Bride`s Parents is a fun ritual and very common among Turks. When a couple decides to get marry, groom and his family visits brides family and brings a large box of Turkish Delight. Turkish delight symbolizes one of the most known Turkish Saying; `Lets eat sweet and then talk sweet`:) In this celebration brides family treats turkish coffee and the turkish delights for a sweet start of this exciting day!
`Bayram` (Candy Holiday) is probably the time of the year that we eat Turkish Delight most! Every Bayram, Turkish delights are serviced inside traditional sugar bowls delicately..
Comparing to other candy and treats; Turkish Delight is softer and it melts with a great taste.
When you press the Turkish Delight with both fingers and if it shapes back exactly how it was, this means `Great,  you are eating a well made delight!`

Welcoming a newborn Baby, a housewarming party or visiting a relative.. People will knock your door carrying your Turkish Delight! These delights can come regular, with Antep nuts or dried eco-fruits in it..
Sometimes it comes surprising way, from a shop owner in Grand Bazaar, kids in your neighbor that knock your door for treats or in Madonna`s Hard Candy song..
You can find all different types of Turkish Delights here; Grand Bazaar Shopping
Traditional Turkish Sugar/Turkish Delight Bowls here; Grand Bazaar Shopping

TURKISH TRADITIONS - BRIDE HAMMAM

Are you ready for the biggest day of your life? 
Maybe there are only weeks left to your wedding or you just started planning.. In either way Bachelorette party is also on the list to be planned! 
Well, the options are mostly going out with the closest girl friends, dance some champagne & more! You can even become the star of the night club..
This might be the most common way, but also it is mostly exhausting only couple of days before the Wedding!


Well, in this blog post we want to introduce you to Traditional Turkish Bachelorette Party, Bride Hammam! This tradition has been the part of Turkish Culture since Ottoman Empire. It is extraordinary, so fun, authentic and a great detox right before the Big Day!

Here is the recipe of a real and fun Turkish Bride Hammam!

Ingredients;

- Closest girl friends

- Turkish Peshtemals for everyone

- Natural Olive Oil Soaps

- Hammam Sacs

- Some Turkish Copper Ewers & Mugs and Hammam Bowls for authentic decor

- Henna

- 3-4 different light Turkish Food

- Traditional Gifts for the guests

What happens on a Bride Hammam Party?

First of all, Bride gets a traditional full body wash and foam massage so that she will have a glowing skin and can relax in the middle of all the wedding rush:)

After the massage everyone enjoys delicious vegeterian Turkish foods, the menu usually have; Sarma, Dolma, Su Böregi and Lentilballs.

Just before the peeling everyone gets tasty Turkish Coffee with Turkish Delight, and the hennas which are prepared beforehand inside copper tray and copper cups are served. Now it is time to dance! You can hire Belly Dancers, watch their show and of course join them!

After the show bride gives the gifts to her friends as a memory of this beautiful day!

Olive Oil Soaps with Authentic Boxes can be great gifts! 

And now you are ready for your Wedding Day, all fresh and happy!

You can find all you need for this party on our website! Here is the list;

Turkish Peshtemals

Turkish Hammam Bowls

Natural Turkish Hammam Soaps

Turkish Copper Ewer