Sometimes, it's the smallest details that make the biggest difference, and for Turks, these items are an absolute must-have to turn an ordinary house into a warm and cozy home.
In Turkey, it is clear from the moment you step through the door that this is indeed the residence of the locals, as the host will give you a pair of slippers to put on the threshold of the crossover. Whether the slippers fit or not, it is almost unheard of not to accept the slippers offered by the owner, and it is very rude not to take them off.
Many families actually have a pair of guest slippers, and you should have one too. If you don't feel comfortable wearing someone else's shoes, the best way to avoid an awkward slipper swap is to bring your own pair of portable slippers, such as sock slippers or something like that.
In Turkey, it has become a fixed tradition to hang the ** eye (called "nazar boncu u" in Turkish) in front of the house. These monumental decorative pendants are mainly made of opaque blue glass with a white eye pattern in the center, ranging in size from a coin to the palm of the hand, which, according to superstition, protects against the ** brought by a jealous gaze.
While the "** eye" is certainly not an Islamic tradition, it is an Islamic tradition to hang the Quran on the wall in a special bag. In addition, pomegranates are another ornament in Turkish homes, whether real or ornamental, as it is believed to bring prosperity and abundance to the family.
Those who are familiar with Turkey know that Turks love to drink a lot of black tea. Therefore, all kinds of tea drinking accessories are almost a must-have for every household, starting with the traditional Turkish teapot, which is a combination of a large pot at the bottom and a small pot at the top. The bottom is filled with boiling water, and the small pot at the top is used to brew strong tea, which can be diluted with water according to each person's preference when pouring the tea. There is also a classic Turkish teacup called "inse belli", which means thin waist cup, usually served with a small saucer and a smaller spoon. Turkish teaspoons are an important element because many recipes in Turkey are actually measured with small teaspoons.
The tea tray is another important element of a Turkish home, as it is an essential tool for transporting all your teacups and saucers. The classic tea tray commonly used in tea gardens is round with three triangular poles leading to a handle, and this kind of tea tray has an interesting trick, which is that if you reverse it fast enough, all the cups filled with tea may be intact.
Turks are also known for their love of Turkish coffee, and they also use specific small cups to serve just the right amount of espresso. There is a Turkish proverb: if you drink a cup of coffee with someone, you will remember it 40 years from now. Therefore, in Turkish homes, guests also often drink coffee.
The "cezve" is a small pot with a pour-over lip and is a tool specially used to make Turkish coffee. It is traditionally made of copper or brass. A coffee pot is another indispensable item in a Turkish home, and it can brew plain or sweetened coffee according to personal preference. This is especially important for the future bride, who is responsible for preparing the perfect cup of coffee during the groom's family who comes to the door to propose. Sometimes, the bride will play a joke with the future groom, and she will prepare everyone's coffee to perfection, except for her potential husband's coffee, which is not sweetened, but with salt or pepper (or other creative spices).
Long before COVID-19 emerged, cologne was available in Turkey and it was a must-have product in every home, sprinkled with some on guests' hands before, during, or after their visit. Cologne is also used as a perfume, a headache reliever, and a wound cleanser with a strong bactericidal effect.
The "güm" is a large copper kettle that the Turks fill with water and put it on top of the traditional wood-burning stove called "soba" in winter, because it is not only a hot water **, but also a natural humidifier in the home.
Many classic Turkish homes will also have a set of nest tables known as 'zigon sehpas', ranging in size from large to small, that can fit together or be placed separately in front of guests so that they can comfortably drink coffee or tea. They also serve as a stand for backgammon, a timeless traditional game that almost every Turkish household has. While many visitors have seen a variety of spectacular mother-of-pearl mosaics, some people who are well-versed in this game prefer simple wooden backgammon, as the dice roll and the pieces make a pleasant sound when they land during the game.
Lilies made of lace are called "dantel" and used to be a very popular item in dowry. These lilies are hand-woven by the bride and her mother, and the skill is passed on to the next generation.
Almost every Turkish household is stocked with candles and flashlights, as electricity can be cut off at any moment. "arap sabunu" means Arabic soap and has been a cleanser in Turkish homes for decades. Arabic soap is made from corrosive potassium and vegetable oils, but in the past it was mutton fat, and it is a soft natural product that can be used in a wide range of uses, from cutlery and clothing to metalware or wood surfaces. It can even be used as an insecticide. Most Turkish homes will also have a broom head made entirely from straw, which is both aesthetically pleasing and functional.
In addition, there are the beloved "pazar arabas", which are lightweight cloth trolleys on wheels that can accommodate your shopping and are generally used to transport produce from farmers' markets, hence their name. It's always a good practice to make it easier for you to move around with your goods, avoid the tragedy of plastic bags tearing in your hands, and also allow shoppers to use less plastic.