The Best Handwoven Cashmere Scarf & Hammam Towel

Though lovely the purchases I introduced you first from Istanbul were mass-produced high street clothes. Now. I shall show you the opposite, something truly handmade. If you visit Istanbul and are in need of a genuine Turkish present for someone back at home or even for yourself you totally should go to Mehmet Büyükashiks shop in Galata.

A big sign with the words Yakto Ipek Dokuma will mark the shop and though it means silk weaving you will also find a great selection of wonderfully patterned cotton hammam towels besides fine silk scarfs. In this borough are lots of other towel sellers situated with similar traditional patterns but go and feel the fabrics and you will notice the difference.

Half of his space is occupied by an impressing wooden weaving loom. When you enter the shop the serious and polite owner Mehmet who still weaves will greet you and be happy to tell you all about his fine craft.
I bought two really big towels and also took one of the scarfs with me. The scarf is woven out of black-grey cashmere and raw silk yarn and holds me warm since I came back. The temperatures here in Germany dropped right when I came back from vacation.

I like that the scarf seems rather unspectacular at first glance but then it convinces subversively with its quality, whenever I wear it people keep complimenting me for it. I think none of my accessories has gotten so much attention before.

If you happen to be offered any tea don’t insult Mehmet by declining whether you buy something or not. I did so and still regret it. Oh, and graffiti is pretty en vogue now in Istanbul.
Raw silk, from the cocoon to the yarnEvery garment gets washed before it hits the shop and will distribute a fresh and clean fragrance.

// not sponsored //

Mitbringsel – What I Bought In Istanbul

My trip to Istanbul has been a few weeks ago but memories are still vivid and I will make a post series about the city, sharing my experiences and reminisce about summer.

At first lets start with the few material things I took back to Germany. I will delve deeper into each product in the follow-up posts but for now just a quick overview.

You see from left to right gluten-free lady fingers, an original hammam towel and a raw silk/cashmere scarf from the same manufacturer, shirt from Bershka, genuine leather shorts from Mango, Urban Decay face primer and that tiny thing above is a silver ring with mini turquoise gem stones set in.

That’s all! You see, I am usually not the big shopper while on travel. I don’t see the point of buying stuff that I can easily get at home, too. Though I still love handcrafted items* and will hold my eyes open if I can spot at least one not too heavy souvenir. From many travels I have come back empty-handed with treasures only kept in my head. To have bought that much things at this vacation is actually an enormous spree when I come to think about it! And hold yourself, I even had presents for two of my friends! Wooha, introducing new habits here.

* Yes, I know there are high street clothes in the pic, totally opposite of ethnic. I just grabbed the opportunity for cool clothes and a highly favorable exchange rate for my money.