Get in touch with us2020 has been… something so far, hasn’t it?
It’s our 11th anniversary today, and it’s already been a long five months of lockdowns and uncertainty around the world. Tourism in Türkiye shut down completely. Borders closed. Flights cancelled. Nothing unlike most countries, really. Our usually bustling Arasta Bazaar sat quiet. And for a company that relies almost entirely on people visiting us in person — well, let’s just say there were some sleepless nights.
But then something amazing happened.
We reached out — one giant mailout (thank goodness we split it alphabetically) — saying:
“You can’t come to us… so we’ll come to you.”
We didn’t know if anyone would respond.
You did. In droves.
We scrambled to set up Virtual Tours — booking appointments back-to-back through WhatsApp, Signal, FaceTime, Zoom — whatever worked. I handled the scheduling, background admin, and a lot of crossed fingers. My incredible staff (especially Haci) worked tirelessly, taking clients through shelves and piles of textiles for hours every day, one appointment at a time.
It was exhausting. It was chaotic.
And it absolutely saved us.
Thanks to you — to your messages, your loyalty, and your willingness to try something new — we made it through. We never once stopped the looms. Even when some villages were forced into lockdowns, we found ways to keep things going. There were surreal moments, yes — neighbours kissing each other goodbye because they thought it was the end — but somehow, the threads held.
We’re still here because of you.
So this post isn’t just an update. It’s a love letter.
To everyone who said yes.
Who booked a tour.
Who placed an order.
Who shared what we do with a friend.
You kept us weaving. Literally.
And the best part?
We plan to continue offering these Virtual Tours for the foreseeable future — for all those who can’t come in person.
They’ve become one of our favourite ways to connect with clients around the world.
From the bottom of my overly tired but deeply grateful heart — thank you.