Sultans of the Ottoman dynasty, as well as all subjects of the empire would use these special towels in the hammam (Turkish Bath) and in their everyday lives. According to the ancient Ottoman traditions when a couple decided to marry, they would give each other a bath set, with these towels being the key piece.

Handmade Turkish towels are 100% cotton, super absorbent, very compact, and dry much quicker than regular towels. That’s why nowadays, they are becoming indispensable companions for everyone around the world- at the beach, in saunas, at the gym, or when traveling!

Turkish towels are also known as 'peshtemal's. The design and colours used on each would also used to specify which region people are from sort of like Scottish kilts. There are many kinds of peshtemals, with different styles and colours in all regions of Turkey.

Pestemals absorb water as fast as a traditional towel, dries very quickly, takes up less space, is easy to carry and is therefore used as an alternative to the towel in bathrooms, pools, spas, beaches, sport facilities and for baby care. The peshtemal fabric is made of 100% cotton in manually operated looms in Turkey.

WHAT INSPIRED LUF'S PRODUCT NAMES?

There are 7 product ranges in the Luf Handmade Turkish Towels portfolio and they are all named after inspirational and dazzling beach towns in Turkey. More and more people are now using Turkish towels at the beach as they are absorbent, compact, and quick-dry.

1) Kalkan

Kalkan is a beautiful town in south Turkey, on the Mediterranean coast, and an important destination which attracts tourists. There are many historical sites and many fine beaches. According to Daily Mail Kalkan offers "sensational seascape" and blissful scenery". Read more about Kalkan here.  

See the Kalkan series here.

2)Ayvalik

In Ayvalik, history and beauty comes blissfully together. Beauty and serenity in Ayvalik inspired one of our product ranges. Ayvalik has so much to offer- from amazing wine to great Greek food, as well as delicious olive oil and great beaches. Read more about Ayvalik here. 

See the Ayvalik series here.

3)Bodrum

Bodrum might have its reputation as a party town thanks to its vibrant nightlife scene. However Bodrum has a lot more to offer. Great scenery, amazing food, and a few of the prettiest and bluest beaches on the Mediterranean. All these amazing qualities of Bodrum inspired the Bodrum product range. Read more about Bodrum here. 

See the Bodrum series here.

4) Fethiye

5) Cesme

Originally Cesme was just a secret Izmirians kept to themselves. However its popularity in the International scene increased drastically in the past few years  thanks to its magical beaches, closeness to Ephesus and other Greek ruins, and vibrant night life. Cesme was chosen as one of the top hot spots in the world to visit in 2016 by Times. Read more about it here.

See the Cesme series here.

6) Datca

Datca is a peninsula in south Turkey just a few miles away from the Greek islands. Its natural beauty and beautiful beaches are attracting many tourists every summer. It is also a favourite spot for many of the Mediterranean cruise tours. According to the Guardian it is "a sliver of mountain and beach jutting in to the Aegean offers an oasis of unspoilt tranquillity"Read more about Datca here.

See the Datca range here.

7)Bozcaada

Bozcaada is one of only two islands that belong to Turkey in the Aegean sea. But there are so many other reasons that makes this island special. Spectacular beaches and fruity and delicious wine attracts many visitors from mainland Turkey from as early as April until late October every year. Read more about Bozcaada here.

See the Bozcaada range here.