Bazaars, markets and shops in Turkey are full of amazing things to buy. A shoppers' paradise! Bargaining is a great tradition but only if there isn't a fixed price ticket on the item. Beware fixed prices are becoming more common. If there isn't a price then start to haggle, but only if you are interested. Be firm, polite and if you are offered tea or coffee whilst you haggle, accept it as a perfectly sincere gesture. You want this to be a pleasant experience for yourself and for the shop owner. If the price is too high then walk away politely and if he wants to sell you it, he will probably walk after you.
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The good quality cotton and hemp produced in the Aegean and the Mediterranean region and the wool and leather procured from cattle-raising in the Central and Eastern Anatolia gave rise to Turkey's being one of the most successful countries of the world in the textile sector. The products made in various districts in Turkey are successfully sold in all world markets. Similarly, the products of many firms which are pioneers in the world of fashion are manufactured at Turkish factories. In the shopping centers in Fethiye and especially at the Tuesday Market, you can find all kinds of clothes and material.
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Herbs and spices are very cheap compared to the other countries (particularly Saffron), and because most varieties are used in Turkish cooking, an extensive range can be bought fresh at the bazaars and local matkets. Just follow your nose to find the right stall.
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Turkey exports huge amounts of cotton clothes for the fashion market in Europe. Everything from t-shirts to jeans. Next time you go shopping in the high street in the UK, look at the label and you will often find that it is made in Turkey. Probably because the tailors are so good. They are especially good at recreating designer clothes and the quality is as near to the real thing at a fraction of the cost.
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Jackets, handbags and coats are of great value and the quality is usually superb at a fraction of the cost elsewhere. Choose from a selection of styles and even colours. Also leather shoes, and belts are good value.
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Turkish Delight (lokum) comes in a variety of flavours. Mint, orange, pistachio and rose to name a few. You can buy it in ready prepared packets or mix up your own in a box. Just remember not to buy too much for friends at home, as it can become extremely heavy stuff to carry. Always try some flavours before you buy.
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Rugs are not only a piece of household furniture for the Turkish people but a part of its culture. In the beginning rugs were made only by wandering tribes. Pursuant to migration of the Turkish tribes from Central Asia to Anatolia, the technique, material and the designs were enhanced. Turkish carpets exhibit variations depending on the climate and the social and cultural features of the districts where they are made. The material used generally is wool. Cotton and silk carpets are samples where more knots are used, requiring higher skill. Double knots (Gördes Knot) and root dyes are used in Turkish carpets which made them more durable compared to others. Carpet weaving is a handcraft passed from generation to generation. Each carpet is a unique sample with the designs and colurs symbolizing social and cultural values and beliefs. The material used, the size,the number of knots and the technique of dyes enhances its value. Kilims are flat-woven carpets without knots, another traditional handcraft which require less effort compared with rugs. They are made on simple looms in shorter time, generally with geometrical designs. In all the shopping centers at Fethiye, Paspatur, Saklikent and Kaya Köyü, you can see beautiful samples of carpets and rugs and watch the weavers at work and even make a few knots yourself if you so wish.
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There are many other things to buy - bed linen, tablecloths, watches, towels to name just a few. Try buying some Turkish wine, Turkish liquors or brandy or the local drink called Raqi (an aniseed drink which, when mixed with water, becomes a lethal potion). Make sure you eat some food whilst dring it!
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