A Journey Rooted in Our Origins
The Heritage of Anatolia
Prickly Pears was born in Hatay, in the south of Türkiye, as the shared dream of two sisters. Our purpose is to make the cultural heritage of the lands we come from, forgotten crafts, and the stories of local communities visible once again.
While supporting local production, we aim to bring harmony between nature and people back into everyday life. For us, Prickly Pears is not just a brand; it is a set of values shaped by a philosophy of slow production.
Our products come to life on traditional looms, in the hands of artisans who understand the true value of time. Sustainability, for us, is not only about respecting nature; it is about honouring labour, knowledge, and craftsmanship passed down through generations.
We believe in building fair and transparent collaborations between conscious consumers and our artisans. Each product is woven not on mass-production lines, but on looms in Anatolian villages; each with its own story. That is why every piece carries both cultural memory and the true value of craftsmanship.
Fair Production
At Prickly Pears, handweaving, local production, and cultural sustainability sit at the heart of everything we do. The rich craft heritage of Hatay and Anatolia, including weaving, copperwork, silk production, and laurel soap making, has been a source of livelihood for local communities for centuries.
Today, however, many of these crafts face extinction due to raw material shortages, economic instability, lack of apprentices, market challenges, and the devastating 6 February earthquake. For this reason, Prickly Pears has made it its mission to increase the visibility of small workshops and family-run businesses, support the continuation of artisans’ knowledge, and contribute to keeping weaving culture alive.
Each product carries patience and mastery in every thread. For us, these are not just objects, but reminders to slow down, respect labour, and live more meaningfully. As we grow, we aim to grow together with our artisans, building a community that shares success fairly. Because true success only gains meaning when it is created together.
Handloom Craft
Our products are produced using two distinct traditional weaving techniques: handwoven on traditional wooden looms and traditional ''kara tezgâh'' looms, both deeply rooted in Anatolia’s weaving culture. Each method reflects a slower, more deliberate way of making; shaped by skill, patience, and human touch rather than speed.
On traditional wooden looms, the entire weaving process is guided by hand. From threading the yarns and setting the warp to slowly forming the fabric, every step follows a rhythm shaped by experience and care. Many of these wooden looms are over 200 years old, passed down through generations as living tools of Anatolia’s weaving heritage, carrying accumulated knowledge, memory and care from past hands to present ones.
Another technique we use is the kara tezgâh loom, a traditional method where human skill and mechanical support work together. While rhythmic movements such as shuttle throwing and foot control assist the process, the essence of the weave remains guided by the weaver’s hand. Kara tezgâh weaving reflects a balance between tradition and practicality; a form of hand-weaving that has quietly endured despite the rise of industrial production.
At Prickly Pears, we see each handwoven piece not only as an object of use, but as a way of keeping this living tradition in motion; from past to future.
A Pure Touch
Our products are designed to last. They are made from 100% natural, mostly raw, untreated, or recycled yarns. All materials are OEKO-TEX® certified, ensuring they are free from harmful substances and safe for both people and the environment. Biodegradable by nature, they reflect a production process that respects human health as much as the land it comes from.
We primarily use Turkish cotton, valued for its naturally curly fibres that provide high absorbency and durability. While Egyptian cotton is known for its softness, Turkish cotton remains the ideal choice for highly absorbent towels, becoming softer and more comfortable with every wash and use.
Turkish towels, or peshtemals, are designed for everyday living. Beyond the bath, they adapt easily as beach towels or pareos, picnic blankets, table or sofa covers, and lightweight blankets for travel. Compared to conventional towels, they dry faster, require less frequent washing, take up less space in the machine, and help reduce water and energy use; making them a quieter, more conscious choice for daily life.