I grew up in Çanakkale, Turkiye — one of the most extraordinary places on earth. A city where the Aegean sea sparkles at your doorstep, where the air carries the scent of olive groves and sea salt, where neighbours share food over garden walls and strangers greet you like old friends.

Çanakkale is a city of breathtaking history. It sits in the shadow of ancient Troy, just across the water from the hallowed grounds of Gallipoli — where thousands of visitors from around the world, including many from the UK, come every year to pay their respects and feel the weight of history. But for me, it will always simply be home.

What I remember most is not the history or the landmarks — though they are extraordinary. What I remember is the people. The warmth. The honesty. The hospitality that is simply part of who they are. 

I moved to the UK at the age of 24. I built a wonderful life here — but a part of my heart never left Çanakkale. I always had a deep love for handmade things, especially ceramics and jewellery, and I always knew that the extraordinary craft of this region deserved a wider audience.

The Troy Pantry was born from that love. It is my way of sharing the very best of Turkiye with the people of the UK — bringing you products that are genuinely handmade, genuinely authentic, and genuinely special. Every single item is personally sourced by me, directly from the artisans, farmers and makers. Beautiful things, made by brilliant people, in one of the world's most remarkable places.

Welcome to The Troy Pantry. I hope a little piece of Turkiye finds its way into your home and your heart.