Day 2.
We’ve travelled north of Izmir today, to a small town, to meet a new collector - Yusuf, and his business partner, Emre. Our day begins with the usual "age guessing game," - an occupational hazard - but a favorite icebreaker we use when meeting new people on our travels. They’re offended. We’re offended that they’re offended. We guessed 35. They’re 24. We blame their beards.
We headed to what Yusuf calls the "brain of Turkey for antiques." Intrigued, we asked for more details. Yuseuf, in his charming yet broken English, tries to explain, mentioning the diversity of religions in Turkey—Christians, Jews, Muslims—but emphasises that the people here are unique. He references a character from a Netflix series unfamiliar to us, searching for the right word. Hesitant, he finally explains "We are gypsy." Our British politeness kicks in, and we reassure him, "That’s not rude! That’s great!" His relieved smile brightens the atmosphere as we continue toward his warehouse.
We arrive at a corrugated outbuilding atop a rugged mound, where the fresh winter air and playful puppies greet us. Yusuf introduces us to the team, all young except for one. "He’s the uncle," Yusuf says, pointing to a 33-year-old colleague with weather-worn skin and a dense, dark beard dappled with sawdust. Known as Uncle Tony, he greets us with hearty laughter and high-fives that nearly dislocate our shoulders. His booming laughter fills the warehouse, echoing off the breezeblock partitions.
Uncle Tony’s mood shifts when we mention we are from Britain. The laughter stops, and he grows cold. Ten minutes later, he returns, mimicking a missile with his hands and whistling, saying, "Putin. Bad." We quickly correct him, "No! Britain. Not Putin." The misunderstanding clears, we all laugh and sit down for another customary chai.
Yusuf shares his knowledge about the pots, explaining their origins—Konya, East Anatolia, Antakya, Kinik, Southern Anatolia near the Syria border—each with a rich history and purpose, shaped by generations of cultural exchange and refinement. As we photograph each pot, jar, and jug, admiring their unique scars, patches, and designs, we can’t help but smile. These objects, much like the people we meet today, hold unique stories and characters.
more than just a sourcing trip. It was an immersion into a world of tradition, culture, and family. We left with not only a collection of beautiful antiques but also a deeper appreciation for the rich heritage and warm hospitality of our hosts.
Leaving Yusuf’s warehouse, our hearts and minds are full. The treasures we've collected each tell stories of Turkish heritage and craftsmanship. These vintage finds embody the family values and cultural legacy that we cherish at Dana & Fabe. Our journey is far from over, and we can't wait to share the beautiful stories and items we uncover as we continue exploring Turkey.
More stories await...
