Erzurum is rich in souvenir diversity not only with its historical and cultural heritage but also with its local products and handicrafts. The souvenirs that can be bought from the city consist of objects reflecting traditional Anatolian culture as well as delicious local flavors. Especially prayer beads and jewelry made from Oltu stone are among the world-renowned symbols of Erzurum. This stone is a special natural material extracted only in the Oltu district of Erzurum and is processed into elegant souvenirs. In addition, unique tastes of Erzurum cuisine such as cağ kebab, kadayıf dolması, and string cheese can also be preferred as gift options in packaged or vacuum-sealed form.
Erzurum’s handicrafts also play an important role in souvenir products. Traditional crafts such as copper processing, silver jewelry making, wood carving, and weaving are kept alive through handmade items. Erzurum shawls, rugs, and traditional bread baked in a tandoor stand out with both their aesthetic and functional aspects. At the same time, natural products such as dried vegetables, homemade pastes, and herbal teas are among the ideal gifts for those who embrace a healthy lifestyle. Each souvenir bought from Erzurum is not just an item, but a meaningful keepsake that reflects the history, nature, and people of this ancient city.
1. Oltu Stone Prayer Beads – Prayer beads made of a black, shiny, and lightweight stone unique to Erzurum.
Oltu Stone Prayer Beads: Known for its black, shiny, and lightweight structure unique to Erzurum, Oltu stone is one of the city’s most renowned natural resources. This stone is extracted only in the Oltu district of Erzurum and is very easy to work with. It is especially preferred in prayer bead making because it becomes electrically charged when warmed and becomes shinier with use.
Handcrafted Oltu stone prayer beads stand out with their aesthetic appearance and ease of use. The fine motifs engraved on the beads make these prayer beads not only religious items but also cultural and artistic objects. With their durable, lightweight, and shiny structure, Oltu stone prayer beads are among the most authentic and valuable souvenirs that can be bought from Erzurum.
2. Oltu Stone Jewelry – Elegant and stylish accessories such as necklaces, rings, and earrings.
Oltu Stone Jewelry is made from Oltu stone, which is extracted only in the Oltu district of Erzurum and is very easy to shape. This stone has a black color, is lightweight, and has a shiny texture. Oltu stone becomes shinier as it warms up and displays an electrostatic property, which makes it highly sought after, especially in jewelry making. Necklaces, rings, earrings, and bracelets made with Oltu stone are aesthetic and meaningful accessories thanks to their elegant appearance and mystical nature.
These handcrafted pieces of jewelry are a reflection of traditional Erzurum craftsmanship. In some designs, the stone is combined with silver engravings, giving the jewelry both a modern and ethnic touch. For those who believe in the energy of natural stones, Oltu stone holds a special meaning as it is believed to absorb negative energy. These authentic pieces of jewelry from Erzurum are an ideal choice to present as a meaningful gift for loved ones or to add a cultural touch to your own style.
3. Erzurum Kete – A traditional pastry made of oily, layered dough.
Erzurum Kete is one of the most beloved traditional pastries of Eastern Anatolian cuisine. Made by spreading plenty of butter or margarine between layers of rolled-out dough, kete stands out with its taste and satisfying nature. Frequently consumed in Erzurum, especially during the winter months, this product is sometimes prepared plain or with fillings such as walnuts, poppy seeds, or roasted flour. Its crispy outer layer and soft interior texture, achieved by carefully greasing each layer before rolling, give the kete its unique flavor and consistency.
Erzurum kete is especially popular during holidays, when hosting guests, and at breakfast tables. Typically baked in a tandoor or stone oven, it can be stored for long periods without going stale, making it suitable to take outside the city. Kete, which is among the leading regional delicacies that can be bought as a gift from Erzurum, helps preserve traditional recipes and reflects the cultural richness of the regional cuisine. Its vacuum-packed versions, in particular, serve as a practical and lasting taste gift for travelers.
4. Vacuum-Packed Cağ Kebab – A home-heatable version of Erzurum’s famous kebab, specially prepared for packaging.
Cağ Kebab is one of the most famous and iconic dishes of Erzurum cuisine. Traditionally, it is prepared by slowly cooking lamb meat over a wood fire on a horizontally rotating skewer. Thinly sliced pieces of meat are portioned by placing them onto metal skewers called “cağ.” The intense aroma of the meat, which is marinated with spices and rested, combines with the smoky flavor from the cooking method to create a unique taste. It is typically served with lavash bread and onions.
Today, cağ kebab has gained great popularity in cities outside of Erzurum as well and is now sold in vacuum-packed form, making it suitable for home consumption. In these packages, the pre-cooked and seasoned meat is cooled and preserved, and can be served by simply reheating it at home. Thanks to this method, this traditional flavor unique to Erzurum is preserved without spoiling and can be taken to other cities or countries as a gift. The vacuum-packed version of cağ kebab is highly popular as a souvenir due to its practicality and authentic taste.
5. Erzurum Su Böreği – A traditional pastry made with hand-rolled dough sheets and plenty of butter.
Erzurum Su Böreği is one of the most labor-intensive yet delicious pastries in Turkish cuisine and stands out with a special preparation method unique to the Erzurum region. The most distinctive feature of this pastry is that each phyllo sheet is rolled out by hand, boiled in hot water, and then rinsed in cold water. The boiled sheets are layered with plenty of butter and typically filled with cottage cheese or string cheese. Slowly baked in the oven until the top is golden, su böreği offers a balanced and satisfying taste with its crispy top and soft inner texture.
Erzurum su böreği is frequently preferred on special occasions, holiday tables, and when hosting guests. Due to its preparation requiring intensive effort, it demands both skill and time. However, the effort is well rewarded with the unique flavor that emerges. This pastry is among the leading regional delicacies that can be bought or sent from Erzurum and is also sold in vacuum-sealed or chilled packages. In this way, the homemade flavor is preserved, and it can be transported over long distances as a gift.
6. Kadayıf Dolması – A special dessert made of shredded pastry filled with walnuts, deep-fried, and soaked in syrup.
Kadayıf Dolması is one of the most unique and beloved desserts of Erzurum cuisine. It is prepared by wrapping walnut filling in shredded pastry (kadayıf) to form rolls. These rolls are dipped in egg, fried in hot oil until crispy, and then soaked in hot syrup to become a dessert. Thanks to the frying method, the exterior becomes crispy while the interior remains soft and aromatic. This dessert, rich in both texture and flavor, is frequently served on special occasions, during Ramadan, and at guest tables.
This dessert, unique to Erzurum, stands out both with its visually appealing presentation and its ability to please those who enjoy syrupy sweets. It is usually served hot and may be topped with clotted cream or ice cream, according to preference. Nowadays, it is also available in vacuum-sealed or frozen versions, allowing it to be transported outside the city and given as a gift. Kadayıf dolması is among the most delicious and unforgettable dessert souvenirs that can be bought from Erzurum.
7. Salted Curd Cheese (Çortu Cheese) – A traditional type of cheese produced in the highlands of Erzurum.
Salted Curd Cheese (Çortu Cheese) is a local type of cheese traditionally produced in the high-altitude plateaus of Erzurum. This cheese is usually made from cow’s milk and gets its name from the heavy use of salt during the production process, which allows it to be preserved for a long time. Known for its grainy and slightly coarse texture, salted curd is both durable and highly flavorful due to its salt content. Especially made in villages during the summer and stored for winter consumption, this cheese is used in many dishes in Erzurum cuisine, from breakfasts to pastries.
Çortu cheese is an important part of Erzurum’s traditional cheesemaking culture. The milk obtained from animals fed on natural herbs in the highlands gives the cheese a rich aroma and high nutritional value. Its salty nature makes it especially suitable for long-term storage without spoiling during the hot summer months. Today, salted curd is also sold in vacuum-sealed packages and can be shipped outside the city. It stands out as a natural and local flavor that can be bought from Erzurum. It can be consumed on its own or used as an ingredient in curd pastries, gözleme, or salads.
8. Göğermiş Cheese (Mold-Ripened Cheese) – A regional aromatic cheese matured through mold aging.
Göğermiş Cheese (Mold-Ripened Cheese) is a special type of cheese unique to Erzurum and its surroundings, traditionally produced and aged through natural mold development. This cheese is usually made from sheep’s or cow’s milk and is left to mature under specific conditions (humid and cool environments), allowing mold to form naturally. Blue-green mold veins appear inside the cheese, which is known for its strong smell and intense aroma. Although it bears similarities to European cheeses like Roquefort or Gorgonzola, it has a distinct flavor profile due to its local production method and the type of milk used.
Göğermiş cheese is typically consumed at breakfast, as a spread, or on bread, and in some regions, it is also used to add flavor to dishes. With its high protein and fat content, it is a nutritious product. As it matures, its taste becomes sharper, making it a gourmet delicacy for cheese lovers. This mold-ripened cheese is one of the most unique and local products that can be bought from Erzurum. It is sold in vacuum-sealed or specially packaged forms, making it suitable for transport to other cities and as a gift. Produced through natural fermentation, this cheese is an important example reflecting the region’s cheesemaking tradition and culinary culture.
9. Erzurum Civil Cheese – A mildly salty local cheese with a stringy, pull-apart texture.
Erzurum Civil Cheese is a traditional type of cheese produced in the region’s high plateaus, known for its stringy, pull-apart texture. It is usually made from cow’s milk and, due to its mildly salty and light structure, can be consumed on its own or used in dishes. During production, the curd formed after the milk is fermented is manually stretched into fibers, then boiled in hot water and salted before being aged. As a result, the cheese gains a soft, thread-like texture that offers a pleasant taste and is easy to consume.
Civil cheese is a staple of Erzurum breakfast tables. It is also used as a filling in pastries like börek, gözleme, and buns, or as a topping for hot dishes. Due to its low salt content, it is especially preferred by children and the elderly and serves as a natural source of protein suitable for a healthy diet. As one of the fresh and local products that can be bought from Erzurum, civil cheese retains its freshness for a long time in vacuum-sealed packages, making it an ideal choice both as a gift and for everyday use.
10. Tandoor Bread – Large, durable loaves baked over a wood fire.
Tandoor Bread is one of the large, thick, and durable types of bread unique to the Erzurum region, traditionally baked in tandoor ovens over a wood fire. Commonly prepared by women in villages, this bread is made from dough kneaded with wheat flour, water, salt, and yeast, and baked by sticking it to the inner wall of the tandoor. The intense heat from the wood fire makes the outside of the bread crispy while keeping the inside soft. This allows the bread to remain fresh and flavorful for a long time.
Tandoor bread is an essential part of Erzurum tables and is typically consumed at breakfast, alongside meals, or simply with butter and cheese. Its long shelf life makes it ideal for being sent outside the city. Baked in a tandoor, it carries a subtle smoky aroma and, with its natural and additive-free structure, offers a nostalgic taste while preserving traditional baking methods. Tandoor bread is one of the most authentic food items that can be bought from Erzurum, appreciated for its natural quality and satisfying nature.
11. Flour Halva / Hasuta – A dessert made in the Erzurum style, either plain or with walnuts.
Flour Halva (Hasuta) is one of the traditional desserts of Erzurum cuisine, prepared either plain or with walnuts. In its simplest form, it is made by roasting flour in butter and then combining it with sweetened water or milk. As the flour is slowly roasted, its texture thickens and its color deepens, enhancing its flavor. The version known as “hasuta” has a more liquid, pudding-like consistency, while classic flour halva is denser and moldable. When prepared with walnuts, it gains additional crunch and aroma.
This dessert is frequently made and shared in Erzurum during visits, religious nights, or times of remembrance and mourning. Despite being made from simple ingredients, it is known for its rich flavor and satisfying texture. Especially when prepared with village-style butter, flour halva becomes both a nutritious and nostalgic sweet option. Halva is among the local homemade products that can be bought from Erzurum, sold in jars or packaged form, making it a delightful gift choice for those interested in traditional Anatolian flavors.
12. Erzurum Shawl and Local Textile Products – Handwoven patterned fabrics and shawls.
Erzurum Shawl and Local Textile Products are among the elegant and functional souvenirs that reflect the region’s historical weaving tradition. Especially known as the “Erzurum shawl,” these items are woven from wool or cotton yarn and stand out with their vibrant colors, traditional motifs, and handcrafted quality. The shawls are significant both for their suitability to cold climates and for their role as cultural symbols. While women use them as shoulder or head coverings, men also wear them as part of traditional clothing.
Local textile products are not limited to shawls; tablecloths, pillowcases, handcrafted napkins, and traditionally patterned fabrics are also handmade on looms in Erzurum. These products often feature geometric designs, plant motifs, and nature-inspired figures. These special items can be found in Erzurum’s bazaars, inns, and women’s cooperatives. Made from natural materials and handwoven, they are both healthy and environmentally friendly. As one of the most meaningful and lasting souvenirs from Erzurum, these products also play a vital role in preserving traditional handicrafts.
13. Silver-Inlaid Jewelry – Traditional jewelry crafted by artisans in Erzurum.
Silver-Inlaid Jewelry is one of the elegant examples of Erzurum’s rich handicraft tradition. These pieces are handcrafted by skilled artisans and are typically made using traditional techniques such as filigree, niello, and inlay. The jewelry—available in forms like necklaces, rings, bracelets, earrings, and brooches—often features Ottoman motifs, geometric patterns, and nature-inspired figures. Erzurum’s silver jewelry craftsmanship carries not only aesthetic but also cultural value.
These pieces are preferred as elegant accessories for everyday wear and also stand out as complements to traditional attire on special occasions. Thanks to silver’s antibacterial properties and durability, these items are long-lasting and can become valuable collectibles over time. Silver-inlaid jewelry found in Erzurum’s inns, jewelry shops, and handicraft workshops offers both elegance and meaning as a city-specific souvenir. Highly popular as gifts as well, these pieces reflect Erzurum’s identity shaped by art.
14. Copper-Inlaid Products – Handmade copper souvenirs such as trays, coffee pots, and cup holders.
Copper-Inlaid Products hold an important place among Erzurum’s traditional handicrafts and carry great value both functionally and aesthetically. These handcrafted items, made by skilled artisans, include copper trays, coffee pots (cezve), cup holders, pitchers, and decorative plates. The motifs engraved on the copper typically reflect Anatolian culture, featuring geometric patterns, floral designs, and Ottoman-style decorations. These products are preferred not only for kitchen use but also to create a traditional atmosphere in home décor.
Copper items produced in Erzurum are known for their durability and unique designs, making them usable for many years. Additionally, the belief in the health benefits of copper increases interest in these products. Forged and engraved using traditional methods, these items are made entirely by hand, far from modern production techniques. These souvenirs, easily found in local bazaars and artisan workshops, are rare examples reflecting Erzurum’s cultural richness. Especially for those interested in coffee culture, cezve and cup sets offer a meaningful and authentic gift option.
15. Erzurum Homemade Tomato Paste and Dried Peppers / Eggplants – Flavors prepared using natural methods.
Erzurum Homemade Tomato Paste and Dried Peppers / Eggplants are local delicacies prepared using traditional methods under the region’s natural climatic conditions, free of additives and rich in flavor. Homemade paste is made from tomato or pepper mixtures that are thickened by drying under the summer sun. These pastes not only add rich taste to dishes but also offer high nutritional value. Typically, the peppers and tomatoes are ground in stone mills, mixed with salt and olive oil, and stored in glass jars.
Dried peppers and eggplants are naturally sun-dried in Erzurum’s clean air during the summer, making them long-lasting. These vegetables are especially used for making stuffed dishes (dolma) and, when cooked, their strong aroma gives a distinctive flavor to the meal. These products from Erzurum stand out as both healthy and nostalgic kitchen staples. Available in local markets or from village producers, these dried goods and pastes are ideal as gifts or essentials for those who want to preserve traditional cuisine.
16. Erzurum Homemade Noodles (Erişte) – Traditional pasta cut with natural village eggs and no additives.
Erzurum Homemade Noodles (Erişte) are a natural type of pasta prepared using traditional methods and free from additives. In the region, the dough is typically kneaded with village eggs, flour, and salt, then rolled out into thin sheets and cut into strips using a knife. This process is mostly done by hand, and the noodles are then dried in the shade or under the sun to make them suitable for long-term storage. Prepared in Erzurum’s clean air, these noodles offer a healthy and nutritious meal.
Homemade noodles are a staple in Erzurum cuisine, especially during the winter months. They can be boiled and consumed plain or enriched with yogurt, butter, walnuts, or cheese. They can also be added to meat or vegetable dishes in various recipes. As one of the natural and nostalgic flavors that can be bought from Erzurum, erişte is a traditional kitchen product preferred both for household use and as a gift. With their dried form, these noodles are easy to transport and bring the traditional handmade tastes of Anatolia to the table.
17. Local Herbal Teas – Mountain herbs such as thyme, linden, and sage.
Local Herbal Teas are traditional beverages made from medicinal herbs that grow naturally in the clean air and rich vegetation of Erzurum’s high mountain plateaus. Herbs such as thyme, linden, sage, lemon balm, chamomile, and rosehip are carefully harvested and dried during the summer months to be prepared as tea. As these plants are processed entirely by natural methods without any additives, they offer both a flavorful and healthy consumption option. They are especially preferred in winter to boost immunity and protect against colds.
These teas, which can be found in Erzurum’s herbal shops, village markets, or directly from producers, are sold in glass jars or cloth pouches and retain their freshness for a long time. Herbal teas are believed to have calming and digestive-supporting effects. Regularly consumed by the local people in daily life, these teas are also popular as gifts. Reflecting Erzurum’s natural beauty and healthy lifestyle culture, herbal teas not only leave a pleasant taste but are also valued as traditional sources of healing.
18. Wood Carving Products – Decorative items that are among the examples of Erzurum handicrafts.
Wood Carving Products are an important part of Erzurum’s deep-rooted handicraft tradition and are decorative and functional items meticulously crafted by local artisans. These products are typically made from durable woods such as walnut, pine, or oak and are shaped through hand-carving without damaging the natural texture. Among the most popular items are jewelry boxes, snack trays, decorative plates, walking sticks, spoons, and miniature ornaments. Each piece is uniquely adorned with traditional regional motifs and nature-inspired figures.
These products serve both practical purposes in daily life and add a touch of cultural aesthetics to home décor. Found in artisan workshops or local markets in Erzurum, wood-carved objects are entirely handmade, giving each one a unique identity. The warmth and natural appearance of wood bring a traditional touch even to modern homes. As meaningful souvenirs that can be purchased from Erzurum, these products offer a special keepsake for loved ones and serve as valuable choices for keeping Anatolian craftsmanship alive.
19. Traditional Rugs and Kilims – Handmade products woven in the villages of Erzurum.
Traditional Rugs and Kilims present the most authentic and aesthetic examples of Erzurum’s deep-rooted weaving tradition. In the villages of the region, these rugs and kilims are woven by hand, mostly by women, using natural threads such as wool, cotton, or goat hair. The motifs used are symbols that reflect themes of nature, fertility, protection, and family. Each rug or kilim represents the weaver’s mood, the geography they live in, and their cultural heritage. The colors are made from natural plant-based dyes, making them long-lasting and vibrant.
Erzurum’s rugs and kilims are not only decorative but also functional items. They are used as floor coverings, wall hangings, prayer rugs, or tablecloths. Especially in cold regions, they are favored for their thermal insulation properties. As one of the most meaningful souvenirs that can be bought from Erzurum, these handwoven products are prepared with great care, each like a work of art, and carry both cultural and emotional value. Due to being handmade, each piece is unique and serves as a valuable option for those who wish to preserve Anatolia’s rich weaving tradition.
20. Erzurum-Themed Magnets and Keychains – Small souvenirs featuring the city’s iconic symbols.
Erzurum-Themed Magnets and Keychains are small souvenir items that carry the city’s cultural and historical symbols, offering both practicality and sentimental value. These products typically feature iconic representations of Erzurum such as the Twin Minaret Madrasa, Erzurum Castle, Mount Palandöken, Oltu stone motifs, and figures in traditional attire. Made from colorful ceramic, metal, wood, or glass materials, magnets and keychains are affordable and easy-to-carry items that attract tourists.
Such souvenirs are frequently chosen by visitors to Erzurum to commemorate their trip and to offer meaningful gifts to loved ones. At the same time, these small objects serve as everyday reminders of the city, found in homes or on bags. A wide variety of themed magnets and keychains can be found in Erzurum’s local markets, souvenir shops, and museum stores. Both decorative and symbolic, these items are ideal gifts for those who wish to carry the spirit of the city in a small detail.