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My Great Discovery
I recently was in Istanbul and I discovered a wonderful place called MUZESHOP where the past and the future come together and Turkish History is being told through handmade silk needle lace.
A welcoming lady called Gülin greeted me who happened to be the business owner. I found her very passionate in her field and I was impressed with her vast knowledge on the subject. She kindly told me MUZESHOP’s story as we sipped our Turkish coffee. She also shared with me the importance of silk needle lace and how women used them to describe their feelings. I found people telling their feelings through needle lace very fascinating. For example there is a needle lace style called Meadow Needle Lace which is hand made by brides for their mother in laws to wish them both the peace of meadows.
She also mentioned the social responsibility side of this. She apparently attained the copies of the original needle lace models from Ottoman museums with a special permission. Once she had the copies, she got in touch with several ladies from different regions of Turkey according to the origin of the needle work. In this way, women have the opportunity to earn their own money. As a woman myself, this side of her business also pleased me.
What interested me most in the products that I’ve seen is motifs that smell history have been added to modern pieces designed by the owner. Needle lace is no longer stuck in chests but is being shared with the world.
The second surprise of the day
The owner of this amazing place, Gülin who is also under the influence of Sufism as me is preparing a special collection to bring Sufism together with the world with her husband. They plan to use silk needle lace and precious metals in this special collection.
Once I saw their products, listened their stories, I can honestly say I am as excited as them to see their new collection.
MUZESHOP will be on top of my list of places to visit when I am next in Istanbul and I hope this will be very soon!
Readers who are interested can see the products on www.muzeshop.com
Or follow them on their face book page https://www.facebook.com/muzeshop?ref=hl
Fulya Simavi
