THE GRAND BAZAAR
"As my plane landed in Istanbul, I could see a golden glow over the Old City, where sultans of the Ottoman Empire had walked many centuries before. I knew that this city had something in store for me."
The first time I came to Istanbul was when I was living in Paris for six years, working at a branding agency after finishing my Master’s degree in Paris. I had always looked at Istanbul online and found it absolutely fascinating. Almost 11 years ago, I bought a ticket on a whim and came on my own to learn how to make jewellery in the city’s legendary market, the Grand Bazaar. I felt instantly drawn to the Grand Bazaar. It was chaotic, bursting with history, animated by opportunity. I wanted to get right into the middle of everything and learn as much as I could. I felt welcomed, even though I think the ustas* were surprised to find an Australian in the middle of the bazaar every day for five years. The Grand Bazaar is very close to my heart. Even after spending so much time here, I still feel inspired by the vibrant energy of Istanbul. On a personal level, it represents a very important time of growth and creativity in my life. I will always return to Istanbul as a point of reference, a reminder of growth and change in my life and in the brand I’ve created that is always evolving day by day. @cleopatrasbling
*Usta: Craftsman.
The antique textiles and ceramic shop run by Olivia's friend Aziz in the Grand Bazaar.
The beads Olivia uses in her designs are prepared by a women’s non-governmental organization in Atakum, Samsun. Italians use the pepper figure seen in this necklace to ward off bad luck. This traditional figure is called a “cornicello”.
A typical lunch in the Grand Bazaar.
Hanefi Yeter’s ceramic works
İsmail Karataş’s antiques shop in the Grand Bazaar.
The historic Sultanahmet district, often called simply the Old City.
Ceramic tiles in the historic Pandeli Restaurant in the Grand Bazaar.
Being aggressively fed künefe* by İsmail.
Antique dealer Murat Bilir's store in the Grand Bazaar.
A greengrocer in Burgazada.
Traditional Turkish simit.
Olivia and Aziz.
Hand-embroidered, beaded slippers from the Grand Bazaar.
A jewelry workshop in the Grand Bazaar.
