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Story by
toosis
Published on May 5, 2009 in Spotlight |
Photo by |
The Etsy blog's Shop Local series usually tickles my travel bug, but in this edition, Turkey by Etsy seller Toosis, has my jaw dropping on my computer keyboard. Such beautiful photos and talented artists!
My name is Pınar Sondal, aka Toosis. I am an architect and a jewelry designer living in Istanbul, one of the most beautiful, exotic and cosmopolitan cities to live in. Istanbul is a city of two continents; Asia and Europe divided by the water way of Bosphorus. Its shores offer a delightful mixture of past and present, grand splendor and simple beauty. Modern hotels stand next to shore front wooden villas, marble palaces, rustic stone fortresses and neighbor small fishing villages. I live in the Europe side of the city. The Asian part is just across the Bosphorus Bridge.
The above picture was taken in a park very close to my house. I walk here with my kids and get mused before starting a project, enjoying the view while they play. I use silver and gold in my designs, creating big rings and earrings. I show my line of jewelry in local haute couture boutiques. Since I discovered Etsy and started sharing my taste in design with the rest of the world, I feel blessed. A performer needs to hear the applause to feel appreciated. Now I get my inspiration required out of my international customers' Etsy feedback. 
Here are some of the very talented local Etsy artisans I’d like you to meet. They all have their unique taste in design in different areas. We are proud to be members of ISOT Ladies and European Street Team.
Arzu Musa aka arzumusa from Istanbul, Turkey: "This picture was taken at a local open air art fair in Istanbul. This year I’ve married my university love after 15 years of being acquainted. We live in Istanbul with our two lovely dogs. I have been working with polymer clay for nearly two years now." 
Nihan aka Designbynihan from the Bosforous side of Istanbul, Turkey: "How many cities in the world have a sea that passes through it? I sometimes take boat trips at sunset... Istanbul just surrounds you with silhouettes of history. I love to share my simit (savory roll covered with sesame seed) with the seagulls that accompany me on my boat rides. The city is sometimes chaotic, but always colorful and surprising. I love to smell, touch, and listen to Istanbul, and I always find something inspirational."
Sabahnur from Istanbul, Turkey: "Spring time weather in Istanbul can be very surprising. Although the sun was shining, the wind was very strong the day this photo was taken. After a little walk, my hands turned into ice cubes. I even had to wear my hood to get warm. The picture was taken by the sea side of Uskudar, one of the most mystical sights of Istanbul. In the background are the maiden tower, the silhouette of Sultan Ahmet, and Ayasophia, which are historical and beautiful places to visit."
Heli aka helisengezer from Cappadocia, Turkey: "We made a trip here last autumn and it had a huge influence on me. It is the most amazing and miraculous place I’ve ever been, with its fairy chimneys and underground cities. I moved to Istanbul a little over three years ago and have greatly enjoyed my silent and peaceful handmade life in this hectic and sometimes chaotic metropolis. That is the thing I love most about living here; I can be in peace and on my own as much as I want while crafting and creating, but when I feel I need some company, all I have to do is open the door and there is an endless flow of people and a world full of life and color."
Meltem Semizoglu aka meltemsem in the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, Turkey: "The Grand Bazaar, which is the largest covered market in the world, was constructed in the 15th century. It is famous for its jewelry, ceramics, spices and carpets. It was my favorite place when I was a student at Law Faculty of Istanbul University. I feel really lucky that I can find the most qualified and cheapest material in a magical and fascinating atmosphere so close to me."
Ferda Tumer aka filofashion at the entrance of Dolmabahce Palace Istanbul, Turkey: "I love walking along the streets of Istanbul and feeling the combination of both Eastern and Western cultures for inspiration. It’s just what an artisan needs. My life has changed since I’ve met Etsy. It is wonderful to have friends from all over the world with common interests." 
Vildan aka bayanhippo from Bursa, Turkey: "I am a bag designer from Bursa. The city is the first capital of the Ottoman Empire. There are many important Ottoman building remains in the city. In the photo above you can see the Koza Han (1490), which was originally built for trading silk cocoons. I usually can’t resist visiting the ts narrow streets of the covered bazaar area when I am in this neighborhood."
Ayse Tugrul aka aysetugrul from Duzce, Turkey: "I am inspired by the beauty of my surroundings in all my designs. I get all my creativity from nature and I feel so lucky. I wake up everyday with the songs of the birds, feel the fresh air outside, walk on the grass barefoot giving my negative energy to the ground, swim in the gorgeous seas of my country. Who can believe that I am 41 years old. I don’t!"
Shop Local in 2009 and meet your talented neighbors (shrink that carbon footprint too)! If you're a seller who lives somewhere interesting, post in the comments below or pitch to us with a screenshot of your Poster Sketch!
Shop Local Posts | Shop Local Turkey | Shop Local in Your Area
151 comments Login to add your own!
Sumikoshop
LaveMeSoapCo
michon
Ribbonzella
seedknits
patk860
what a really nice story! in response to your call... i don't live anywhere one might think as really interesting but i love it all the same. i wake every day surrounded by 8 acres of trees and wildlife galore. have gazed in appreciation at over 60 species of birds at my feeders. it affords me all the inspiration i need to allow the creative juice to flow...
odiliafu
Wow! Beautiful photos, beautiful place to visit. Thanks for sharing!
missindie
Wow beautiful!! I would love to visit there! And shop shop shop!!!
majikmoon
beautifulbridget
Wow, excellent article! It's so gorgeous there, I wish I could get on the next plane out! Great selections too, I LOVE that bag!!
craftgasm
How gorgeous! I've been wanting to make Turkey my first overseas trip in years, and this might be the inspiration I need...
The links to some of the sellers have a space in them right now, though; aysetugrul, filofashion, and helisengezer give error messages, but if you just manually delete the last backslash of the URL in your browser, you should be able to see the site just fine. (Hopefully fixed soon?)
iragrant
nice to see the faces behind the products and your country is beautiful ladies!
novadesigns
Hi Toosis!
Oh I soo want to visit you. Great article and beautiful photos!
baconsquarefarm
Beautiful country, beautiful woman, outstanding shops. wow~ Found new stores to peruse and heart. Thanks for sharing the pictures with all of us.
dragonhouseofyuen
this was definitely a wonderful trip! thank you indeed!
I reckon patk860 has a Fantastic idea - a (world) tour of etsy people who feed their local birds in natural settings!
wouldn't that be fantastic!!!
(I feed my little group of feathered friends every day)
I would love to see the birdfeeders and the birds and the trees and the etsy artists (maybe in the background - so the birds can have a feed and be in the picture?)
katiearms
vadjutka
Great article, hello Turkish friends!
Turkey is my love...and Cappadocia is in the center!
Arctida
englishmuffinshop
great to see Turkey featured. it's always so interesting to see what people from around the world are doing. looks like a lovely place to live - i'm off to check out the respective Etsy shops now ;)
4TheSparrowsNest
You ladies are beautiful! Makes me wish I had a little turkish ancestry, lol!
lovelygifts
1dream
VintageEyeFashion
Merhaba! I lived in Turkiye for 2 years in the 1980's and
at the end of that time I did not want to come home!
Turkiye is a fabulous country with warm and friendly people.
Wonderful artists and artisans wherever you turn!
Thanks Etsy for featuring this amazing place and its'
even more amazing people!
Kaleyasol
Not only is it Absolutely beautiful there but This is one of the best sellers I have ever purchased from on Etsy. (and I am an etsy shopaholic) I had a design idea for my dream ring and Toosis meticulously created it for me !! she was very patient and understanding and Put it together perfectly with great quality materials ! Thank you so much toosis for being so creative and talented , I am glad I found you and definitely will be adding to my toosis collection!!
asundrynotion
design7
OOOOOOOHHH!!! I AM ALSO IN TURKEY, ANKARA. THERE ARE LOTS OF BEAUTIFUL PLACES IN TURKEY.
EJPcreations
I just love it when Etsy does these articles on sellers in other countries. They make me feel like more of a part of a world community than just me in my studio :)
MGMart
Thank you for the great article Toosis, my friend :)
It's so nice to see the lovely people behind the shops!!
Lots of nice friends from the European Street Team!!
I'm sending you a big hug from Hungary :)
~Marianna
TurkishBaklava
Wooww wonderful country, I am very proud to be from the most beautiful country in the world....
MissHildebrandt
designbynihan
It's really too hard to show you our fantastic country by pictures. Come and discover it by yourself ;) hope you like this article, I'am glad to be a part of it with theese talented ISOT Ladies :)
pearlsquiltedcrafts
It's great to see my beautiful hometown Istanbul, home country Turkey and her great crafters and artists in such an article on Etsy! Congrats, toosis!!
NewMoonStudio
Congratulations my friends!Good to see you all here!Thank you ETSY!
susarto
BululuStudio
GarageInc
devotchkax
Lovely! When I saw that this was a Turkish feature I was hoping to see SerpilErol mentioned (one of her pieces is listed at the bottom). I have one of her hats and I am completely in love with it!
HibouCards
Thanks for this article, it is really interesting to learn about other Etsy sellers throughout the world. Even though I'm European I never got around to visit Turkey and it makes me want to do so even more now.
esmeraldadesigns
Beautiful...and so much talent!! Oooohh I want to go visit:)
WoodlanderHouse
This article brings back many memories for me -- a bit of nostalgia, a bit of longing, and a desire to go back. I lived and worked there for a while and have been back a few times. Cappadocia is my favourite place -- so very romantic, and historical -- a world heritage site.
Thanks for lovely pictures and introductions to the artisans -- I wish you all well.
VintageJamie
DeNovoStyle
bunnywithatoolbelt
My first take on that very first shot with the landscape was that it was San Francisco's Bay Bridge--cool to see that it's actually halfway around the planet. Then I went on to see so many more stunning images--thanks for illustrating this interesting story so professionally.
cozycottagecreations
Wow - thanks for this great piece highlighting these great artists! My husband and I took a trip to Turkey almost 10 years ago and it was breathtaking and inspiring! These photos bring me right back - I so hope to go again someday! Instanbul was unforgettable - one of my favorite places ever!
quenchmetalworks
toosis, you live in a wonderous land with so many talented women surrounding you! Excellent article!
theivorymagnolia
Great article! I just shipped an order to a new customer in Turkey this week! I'll be sure to send her a link to this article.
CollectionObsession
Thanks for the lovely trip. Hope to see it first hand one day. Nihan, your sweaters are amazing.
paperpatternsilk
Wow, this place looks spectacular. That building in the background of the third picture is so amazing.
littlepinkpebble
cutiepiecompany
How cool! My boyfriend is travelling to Turkey in about 2 weeks... wish I could go too. Those photos are gorgeous, what a beautiful place!
travellingcircus
Wonderful article and fantastic sellers! Istanbul is definitely on my travel list! I met a new friend in a hostel in Madrid this past Dec, who is from Istanbul so I cannot wait to go visit:)
bahardecoration
Incredibibly success, Your work amazing Pinar!!!!!!!!!!!!!
suzshan
Simply breathtaking! Well reported also. The love of culture and country so well spoken and beautifully expressed and shared with we etsians. Thank you.
monkeyandsquirrel
another location to add to the ever growing list of places i want to visit... beautiful!
CarolBradley
Turkey is an incredibly beautiful, exotic, historic and clean country with wonderful people. I hope to visit it again someday and take much better pictures!
bellabijoujewellery
Absolutely gorgeous!!
I live in Vancouver Bc, which is pretty spectacular if you ask me! 5 minutes from beach, 10 from mountain and skiing, lush with trees, and some seriously diverse mini communities!
orchardfarmsoap
So inspiring to see all the creative people living all over the world now connecting through etsy. Thanks for the inspiration
20BucksorLess
I really enjoy this part of the Etsy Storque. Art, crafting and music are all similar in that they are a universal language and bring people together in the spirit of creativity and harmony. Its a beautiful way to bring peace and love to the world.
Ayse, thank you for this quote: "I walk on the grass barefoot giving my negative energy to the ground".
anandi
awesome article, and neat to see sellers from other countries so far away!
faeriegood
What a wonderful tour this was, makes me want to pack a bag..how can I fit 5 sled dogs into this itinerary?? Alas, I will have to content myself with these lovely and talented artists featured here and the dreams they inspire..I liked the comment about an etsy tour of bird feeders, I live in NE WA and have become an avid birder since I set up feeders as the birds passing through here during migration are quite different from the ones I was familiar with in the Ca bay area where I am originally from..
ArzuMusa
What a lovely article... I'am glad to be a part of it with theese talented ISOT Ladies :)
BlueTerracotta
aysetugrul
This is a great article for me and my country.Thank you. I advise to all my etsy family to come and tour in Turkey. I am sure that you dont want to return.
italianpostcards
nezoshop
Wow...I am very happy!.....
This is my country and my friends....
Thanks my friends..
auleecreations
Ebruk
This is my beautiful country and beautiful friends.I am very happy to see them together in etsy.
FebystanDesigns
I live in Konya/Turkey and it's also exciting for me to see my friends here for the first time accompanied with the magnificient sights. Thanks Toosis and all participants!
FebystanDesigns
I live in Konya / Turkey and it's very exciting for me to see my friends here for the first time accompanied with magnificent sights.
birribe
Great to read about you all and see more of Turkey. I wish to travel to Istanbul
MYTV
Always wanted to visit Turkey, and I want it more :)
Great article Toosis!
icha
My lovely country and talented beautiful friends! I'm glad to living Turkey... :) Thank you toosis!
helisengezer
bosphorusglass
kirevi8
I am proud to be a member of ISOT family .I am happy to see all my friends in so nice article about my lovely country.
allenbanks
Thanks You for such a good article. I am feeling so interested to read it. Have a look my site for Made your high school mascots with best quality, best warranty etc.
http://www.bestmascots.com/catalog/hi...
peling
Great Article Toosis. It is really excting to see members of Isot Ladies in this great article. I am proud to be a member of ISOT and live İn TURKEY:)
matilou
BohoSoulChild
THANKS FOR MAKING SUCH BEAUTIFUL THINGS !! YOU ARE ALL SO CREATIVE !! AS WELL AS BEAUTIFUL AND FROM A BEAUTIFUL PLACE!! I LOVED MY RING!
shamila
I was in Istanbul a month ago, and all these sellers echo my sentiments exactly. I have left my heart in that city. It is absolutely splendid, magical and inspiring. Inshallah, I hope to return in a couple months!
antigoni
Bravo neighbors!!!!
Nice to meet you and see a little more about you!
meltemsem
Thank you Toosis for this wonderful article. And thank you all for your lovely comments about my country and us!:) We are always waiting to your visiting here ! Welcome to Turkey:)
sandali
AWESOME article -- LOVE the stories of the different sellers from Turkey -- Turkey is such an amazing country with the most amazing arcitecture I have EVER seen !! HOERA to the Turkish team -- beautiful shops with great featured items -- happy days ;)
ayatasarim
sabahnur
welcome to Turkey...
this is really great to see all these lovely comments and i am very proud of to be part of this article.
thanks a lot Toosis!xo
innovationdesign
Great Pınar for your article. I'm proud to be an artist from beautiful İstanbul.
HAPPYBLUE
CollarMeGorgeous
Wow, thanks you so much for bringing back memories. i once lived on the north side of istanbul at bebek. The grand bazaar always used to fascinate me and the palaces and the mosques are amazing. There is something about the city that is just amazing. Anyone considering a visit should definitely go :)
alatvian
Lovely post! Thank you so much for sharing and letting us to know you a little bit more!
twolefthands
These women are so talented and beautiful! Turkey is gorgeous, makes me want to pack my bags....great article toosis!
humblebea
Oh, I want to move! What a beautiful country and such beautiful sellers!
NuttyNut
Hey!! lovely shots and great article!!! Thank you toosis for sharing it with us. Hey sister you looks beautiful!!! ( I am Nihan's sister) just convo me before your Turkey trip, I can happily help you and also accompagne you. It can be also an interessting way to meet with you in Istanbul ;)
kraplap
beautiful pictures ! And I love to see my EST friends in the face here !
caninedesign
Istanbul sounds like a beautiful city full of culture. I'd love to see it one day.
beccamari
What a thrilling article for me! I have family from the countries that suround Turkey...how beutiful to see the area!
Tumus
Such an exotic city! It's just mysterious and intriguing all at once. I can't even begin to imagine what the first Europeans thought of Istanbul. It must've been as jaw dropping then as it is now.
ingermaaike
My very favorite city in the entire world (of the ones I have visited..) And these amazing artists are too amongst my favorites!
BayMoonDesign
My son spent 6 weeks in Turkey and absolutely loved the experience. Our whole family now has a better understanding of the East versus West isssue. I recognize some of the gorgeous places in your photos because my son has photos of the same places. I hope I get to Turkey some day.
I would like to have Delaware featured in an article. Now that the vice president is from Delaware people are beginning to pay a little more attention to our State. We have gone from Dela-where? and describing ouselves as being located near Philadelphia or between New York and Washington D.C. We even have a Delaware Street Team to feature.
janedeaux
That was an awesome read! Thanks Toosis, Turkey is beautiful I can't wait to get there someday!
TSmithDesigns
Hello Toosis!
What a beautiful country! How can you not be inspired by the architecture, history and the people.
staroftheeast
Great article with great ladies, I was lucky to have meet HeliS.etsy.com and Meltemsem.etsy.com this year in Istanbul, was a great meeting!
laraandmedolls
Thank you so much Etsy for featuring Turkey and thank you so much toosis for writing such a great article about our country and our talented team members.
Turkey is the land where Alexander the Great slashed the Gordion Knot, where Achilles battled the Trojans in Homer’s Iliad, where The Apostle Paul, The Apostle John and the Virgin Mary lived, where Noah's Ark came to rest, where Santa Claus (Saint Nicholas) actually came from and was buried in, where the Seljuks, the Phrygians, the Hittites, the Urartians, and other ancient cultures lived, and the great Ottoman Empire… where Asia and Europe meet, where you can swim in the Mediterranean and in the Aegean in the same day.
You just have to visit and experience Turkey and the Turkish hospitality. Turkey welcomes you.
And as you can see Turkey is the land of such a talented people :)
Go Turkey!
Go ISOT team!
:)
Radness
toosis
Thank you so much for your lovely comments. It is such a pleasure to hear your thoughts from all around the world.
Best Wishes,
Pinar Sondal
Toosis
http://www.toosis.com/english
http://toosis.etsy.com
animadesign
baharcollection
Easy123
SilverSynergy
Periay
Pınar thank you very much friends, welcome to visit Turkey any time.
CutieDynamite
SpringColors
Gervaise
bellasparty
warmandsoft
BobilinaStudio
Wonderful article! You really made me feel like visiting all those beautiful places. What a beautiful views. I am of to heart some new stores.
bigdeal168
such a wonderful place!i am looking forward to visiting Turkey!GREAT!
pingi44
How i love this article, would like to see more country features :)
canselda
Congratulations Pınar , wonderful article. Thank you so much for sharing. I'm proud to living in Turkey.
Mireloom
Great article and great hand crafters! I'd like to go back in Turkey.
DecafLatte
CONGRATULATION LADIES!!!! SO PROUD OF YOU AND MY BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY TURKEY!!!!
Papatya
I enjoyed this so much! I think it's time to go visit my mother again soon....
Congratulations on the article girls, ne mutlu Turkum diyene!
truLuxe
Well, now I want to go! Great article, fantastic artists.... all on location in a beautiful part of the world!
kuartzo
I'm fascinated about Turkey and I'd love to visit Istanbul!
Very talented artists and great article :)
deepindigo
JaneBoFelt
ArtMind
The ladies of the ISOT team are all so beautiful and lovely! What a fantastic article to read! Thanks for letting me travel to Turkey! :)
studiotempera
I love my country...!!! I am very proud of TURKIYE....
Come,visit and see ''The Traditional Turkish Hospitality''
You will feel at home :))
NinisHandmades
Wow!! So beautiful. I haven't seen Turkey in years.But I greet my parents living Turkey and all the Citizens.
I have been profoundly inspired by my parent Turkish culture, yarns, colors and the abundance of creative output.
Thank you Turkey for your inspiration.
NINI
RubyStudios
I really loved this article and meeting these new artists--I'm off to explore their shops. The only drawback??: Talk about SPRING FEVER!!!
nanouke
NAKPUNAR
Thanks all! As Admin of ISOT Group, I enjoyed all the love and beautiful words about our country, Turkiye. We have to work hard and do as much as we can for Turkiye's publicity.
There are times that words are just not enough to explain the feelings. You've got to live it.
This video touches my heart. I hope you'll enjoy and let people see what and who we really are.
copperlilly
Wow, what a beautiful country! I'm in awe of how lovely all these sellers are as well.
Studiotto
dorr1992
Thank you for this extra special "shop local." My husband is from Turkey and it is truly a wonderful place to see.
Turkish hospitality is first-rate. Thank you for this article.
pearlsquiltedcrafts
Amazing Video! Thanks for posting the link, NAKPUNAR!! I missed my home country Turkey! I can't wait to set out for our summer holiday in June! Come, June, come!!
dafnadagan
TianaCHE
Great,love Turkey and Istanbul! Beautiful country, hav been there some times ago. And it's wondeful when we can see sellers from different countries!
ixela
Great to see here such stunning creative minds and such adorable friends like Meltem, Heli and Ayse!!!
Adorable article Toosis, wonderful country and wonderful artists!!!
StudioKarmaPattern
Thanks Toosis!!!
This is a great job!
Very beautiful pics and article!
Cihan
http://www.studiokarma.etsy.com
http://www.studiokarmapattern.etsy.com
http://www.knitandcrochet.etsy.com
gunnelsvensson
filofashion
Dear Pinar, thank you very much :))Amazing. Etsy and I love my friends too. I want to thank everyone for the nice comments:))
Welcome to Turkey.We are always waiting to your visiting here!!!! Best wishes .!!!
Ferda E. TÜMER
http://filofashion.blogspot.com/
http://www.myetsybook.com/filofashion
norakaren
Beautiful,it makes me want to visit Turkey now and I never thought of that before I have seen allt hsi gorgeous places and stores!
egdone
This is a wonderful article Toosis... You have done a great job for all. Thanks a lot...
Egdone
http://www.egdone.etsy.com
http://www.egdone.blogspot.com
ExoticFlavour
Papagan
I like pictures.I'm one of etsian artists from Istanbul .I like Istanbul so much.
Tepuisjewelrys
Thank you... its great too see so much beauty, just gorgeous!!!thank you
DecorativeLabels
Such a wonderul article. Turkey is a BEAUTIFUL country, the people are sooo nice, and the food is AMAZING! :)
I'm so proud of all my fellow Turkish artists!
Floridaangel
I Love and miss Turkey so bad :-(
Its so beautyfull!!!!
XOXOXOXO
Linda
wanderlusty
Can't wait to visit Istanbul & Izmir. :0 ) Lookin' forward to it. & looking forward to reading more about Turkish etsy stuff! Thanks! :o )
CurlynChic
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