Episode 36
In 1999, Catherine and her vintage textile expert husband, Abit, started Bazaar Bayar in Selçuk, Turkey. They spent a decade in their Bazaar Bayar shop, collecting and selling vintage kilims and carpets, embroidered suzanis and vintage Ottoman and Central Asian jewelry as well as hand-knits created by Catherine and inspired by the local women who knit and crochet.
In the summer of 2010, they moved to Istanbul’s Old City to launch a workshop to support local unsung artisans: women who still weave, knit and crochet in the traditions of timeless Turkish handcraft. Their workshops give traveling women a chance to meet Turkish women through classes and craft tours they host.
Catherine also offers customized shopping excursions throughout Istanbul with local vendors.
Prior to moving to Istanbul, Catherine was a clothing and interior designer in California, with work stints in major design centers around the world.
What you’ll learn in this episode:
- The emergence of Turkish designers and how they come to fame.
- The reality of life in Turkey and visiting the country versus the media’s portrayal.
- Catherine’s strategy for creating quality, time-sensitive shopping tours.
- The importance of knowing who not to talk to as you’re shopping.
- Catherine’s top choices for jewelry shopping in Istanbul.
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