Welcome back to our UO global gifting year-end countdown! Today’s gifting suggestions come to us from Turkey via current UO student Mert Yapucuoglu (Computer and Information Science) and Turkey alumni: Ozgur “Ozzie” Pala, MA ’05 (Linguistics) and Lal Pekin (Business Administration student from 2010 – 12)! Following their personal gift picks, our student and alums have also shared some information about popular gifting holidays in Turkey.
Ozgur Pala is currently a lecturer of English Language at Koç University in Istanbul. After earning his Master’s degree in Linguistics at the UO, he went on to complete a second Master’s degree in Gulf studies at Qatar University. He has coauthored academic articles on Turkey – Qatar foreign relations and policy.
Starting from her university years, Lal was involved in numerous cultural and music events both locally and internationally and she ended up launching her own music and events agency which was active until Covid-19 (Instagram: @soundslikemam). Lal is currently writing editorial content and staying busy with her newly established ceramic brand sou forms (Instagram: @sou.forms).
Aside from computer and information sciecnce, Mert Yapucuoglu is interested in a variety of topics related to Turkey. These include Turkish language and food, the Turkish education system and American high schools in Turkey., Turkish theatre, and community organizations and activism in Turkey.
Ozgur “Ozzie” Pala, MA ’05 (Linguistics) and Lal Pekin (Business Administration student 2010 – 12)
(Photos top to bottom)
Top gifts: Trends and traditions
Ozgur: Coffee
Coffee is an important drink in Turkey, so coffee is a good go-to gift idea here. The traditional Turkish coffee is unfiltered and prepared with cold water and very finely ground coffee. You can learn more and try making it yourself here.
Lal: Art by local artists and handmade items
As an artist myself, I am happy to see the increased popularity of gifting art. Local art is not only more unique and personal than mass-produced items, it also supports artists so they can continue making great works!
Lal: Calendars and planners
Calendars and planners are becoming a more common gift these days, and there are many interesting ones to choose from that can fit a person’s personal likes or business needs.
Ozgur: Turkish delights and other sweets
Turkish delights (lokum) are a great gift that allows for both enjoying and sharing! The same goes for other popular sweets such as baklava and chocolate. Chocolate packets, which have different chocolates like Kit-Kat along with cookies/biscuits are a common gift.
For those who don’t know, Turkish delights are a sweet made from sugar and starch, often with nuts and flavored with rose water or citrus juice. You can even try making your own Turkish delights with this recipe.
Top gifts: Personal picks
Ozgur: Orchids
Tukey has almost 150 different orchid species, with about 40 species that are found only in Turkey and nowhere else! Orchids make a wonderful gift and in Turkey, they are the most popular flower to gift on Valentine’s Day.
Ozgur: UO apparel
I am a proud Duck and love wearing Duck gear, both to represent the UO and to bring back cherished memories!
Lal: Something for my dog
I love getting new things like toys and collars for my dog – this is his picture here!
Lal: Purchase a piece of art I created
I love playing with clay and creating functional forms from it (see my Instagram @sou.forms). I will be thrilled if some of my friends purchase one of my pieces!
Mert Yapucuoglu
Current UO computer science student
My top gifts: Trends and traditions
Masks
It’s true in Turkey as everywhere else, masks are now a popular gift item!
Jewelry
Jewelry is always a nice gift! Turkey has very nice traditional handcrafted sterling quality silver jewelry. Design work is intricate and includes niello, filigree, and wickerwork with precious and semi-precious stones. Other designs and styles of jewelry are popular, too!
Shared Meals
As a foodie, I have to suggest some shared food! Turkey has several incredible and unique dishes, but I will recommend Borek for starters. Borek is made of phylo dough which is layered with different filliings which can be sweet or savory – Borek can be either fried or baked. If you want to try making it yourself, you can have a look at this recipe.
Clothing items
Casual clothing items are gifted by family members and almost any clothing item makes a nice gift.
My top gifts: Personal picks
Houseplants
Houseplants are beautiful gifts that brighten a room just as well as flowers – but they last longer (if you know how to take care of them). For those who don’t know how to take care of them, there are also smart plant growing units that control light and water!
Small decorative items
Any small decorative item that is thoughtfully chosen will do! Some of the traditional items in turkey are vases, lanterns, and ceramic work.
Plushies
A plushie (stuffed animal) is a simple gift- but it is one that is cute and caring. When someone is gifted a plushie from someone they really love, they will sometimes keep it for life!
Gifting in Turkey
Turkey is a predominantly Muslim country. The main holidays for gifting and charity are Eid-Al-Fitr (marks the breaking of fasting that takes place during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan) and Kurban Bayrami or Sacrifice Day (known elsewhere as Eid-Al-Adha, an Islamic day of prayer commemorating Abraham (Ibrahim)’s willingness to follow the command of Allah to sacrifice his son). New year’s Eve ad New Years Day are also important for giving gifts and strengthening bonds with friends and loved ones. Ozgur explains that, “While Eid holidays are generally celebrated in all sections of society, New Year’s Eve is more popular among boyfriends/girlfriends, co-workers and classmates.” Mert shares that, “The Sacrifice holiday is a day of feasting when we are grateful for what we have and give to the poor.”
