Shop til you Drop in Kalkan Turkey
How to Buy a Turkish Rug, When in Turkey
Editor's Note: for an amazingly accurate history of Turkish Carpets, please visit http://www.oldturkishcarpets.com/carpets-ottoman-period2.html
Article submitted by: Nick Wrightman
Kalkan, located on the stunning Lycian Coast of Turkey, is an unspoilt gem which has not yet been overrun with the masses of tourists who can often ruin the charm of such a place. Despite the size and pace of the town, there is much to appeal about Kalkan. Turkey has an enviable climate and Kalkan's moderate temperatures mean that even in the winter months it is still a wonderful place to visit. No matter what you come for; be it to sun yourself on the beautiful beaches or simply to soak up the atmosphere of the town's ancient history, the one thing you will most definitely be tempted by is the shopping in Kalkan. Turkey is renowned for its artisans and you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing a souvenir.
Arts and Crafts
The great thing about Kalkan is that shopping is completely stress-free. Not for this town the crowded, bustling streets of a busy seaside resort. You can browse the tiny shops and boutiques at your own pace, and no one is in a hurry in Kalkan. Turkey has long been known for its wonderful jewellery, ceramics, glass works and hand-carved artefacts. You will find all of these in abundance in the shops and stalls amongst the windy streets and alleys of Kalkan. Make a special note to search for the traditional "evil eye", made from blue glass, which is reputed to ward off any evil spirits.
Turkish Rugs
The incredibly intricate and beautiful kilims and carpets, probably Turkey's most famous export, are well-known for their excellent craftsmanship and durability. A good quality kilim can last for over a hundred years and you are sure to find your perfect choice in Kalkan. Turkey has many different regions and each area has their own style and story behind the rugs they produce. You will be dazzled by the incredible array of colours and designs available in these beautiful carpets and rugs and it will be hard to decide. If your budget doesn't quite stretch to a magic carpet, you can still by plenty of smaller items like cushions and slippers which are made out of old kilims.
Turkish Delight
This may not be strictly classed as a souvenir, because once you get your hands on some of the delicious traditional sweet, it will probably never make it out of Kalkan. Turkey is the perfect place to have your first taste of Turkish Delight if you've never had it before, or to readjust your taste buds if you think it's going to be anything like that which you get from a box of Quality Street! The authentic version of this delicacy truly earns its name and the delicate rose-water taste is an absolute pleasure. Don't expect it to come coated in chocolate as you would normally see it; in Kalkan, Turkey's most famous namesake arrives with a liberal sprinkling of icing sugar instead. If you ARE noble enough to resist eating the lot before you leave town, a block of Turkish Delight is a wonderful gift for someone back home.
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About The Author:
Nick Wrightman is the founder and M.D. of The Tapestry Collection, specialist holiday tour operators who can arrange a stay in Kalkan Turkey as well as packages for Crete, Kefalonia and Morocco. The Tapestry Collection includes boutique hotels, villas, exclusive apartments, gulet holidays and riads in a selection of delightful resorts.
