Mehmet Çetinkaya Gallery

Top choice in Sultanahmet


Mehmet Çetinkaya is one of the country's foremost experts on antique oriental carpets and kilims. One of his two Tavukhane Sokak galleries is built over the ruins of an ancient temple complete with columns; these can be viewed under a glass floor. Both galleries are filled with alluring items of artistic and ethnographic significance, including antique and modern rugs.

As well as the rugs and a wide range of textiles, the gallery sells jewellery designed by daughter Zehra and clothing designed by son Said. The clothing, which utilises richly coloured and embroidered fabrics sourced from countries as diverse as Uzbekistan and Japan, is extremely beautiful. A small branch at number 58 in the Arasta Bazaar sells textiles and jewellery.