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.
A Pure Touch
Our products are designed to last. They are made from 100% natural, mostly raw, untreated, or recycled yarns. They are biodegradable, safe, and sustainable by nature. Turkish cotton, thanks to its naturally curly fibres, offers high absorbency.
While Egyptian cotton is known for softness, Turkish cotton remains the ideal choice for highly absorbent towels. With every wash and use, it becomes even softer.
Turkish towels (peshtemals) are not only for the bath or shower. Their multi-purpose design makes them perfect for everyday life.They can be used as: a beach towel or pareo, a picnic blanket, a table or sofa cover, a light blanket or shawl while travelling.
Compared to conventional towels, peshtemals are significantly more eco-friendly.They dry faster, consume less energy, do not develop damp odours, and require less frequent washing. They also take up less space in the washing machine, helping to save both water and energy.