Hello, I’m Ipek. I was born and raised in Türkiye, and in 2019, I moved to the Netherlands to pursue a career in engineering. Along with me came many of my habits, traditions, and rituals.

I’ve always loved traveling, and I especially enjoy collecting locally crafted products that reflect the textures and techniques unique to each country. With every journey, I started to notice how much I appreciated the craftsmanship we have back in Türkiye. The more I explored, the more I was reminded of the richness of our artisanal heritage.

One day, during a spa visit with my husband, I noticed a beautiful display of peştemals in the reception area. Having experienced the Turkish bath culture as a child—running around wrapped in those very towels—it stirred a wave of emotions and ideas. Peştemals are found in nearly every household in Türkiye. Their history traces back to our hammam traditions. They're soft, lightweight, quick-drying, and have always been a practical part of daily life.

That moment made me think: why not introduce these beautiful products to more people? Especially now, with so many colors and designs available. During a family visit, we spent time in Buldan, Denizli, exploring hand-embroidered and traditionally crafted textiles. By the time we returned, the idea had already taken root.

It quickly became an exciting journey we embarked on together as a family. I must admit—the hardest part was choosing a name. I wanted something that would truly reflect me, my wishes, and the essence of the product. It took almost three months. Then, on May 5th, while celebrating Hıdırellez with a wonderful group of women, the idea struck.

Since childhood, I’ve never missed the Hıdırellez rituals with my mother—always greeting spring and its promises with hope and joy. And yet, I had never considered this name before! The moment the name found me, everything else began to fall into place.

From that point on, our goal was simple: to share these products with stories behind them. Fortunately, I’m not doing this alone. As you’ve probably sensed, this venture brought together my husband, my family, myself, and the amazing people we work with.

Even though I may appear to be the founder, behind this website is my husband—always there in every step—and my family, who’ve supported me with every move in Türkiye. So while Ederlezi may seem like a small independent brand, it’s actually backed by a beautiful and connected family.

If you're curious to learn more about the traditions that inspired us—like Hidirellez? or the rich culture of the Turkish Hammam? Be sure to explore the other stories we've shared. They carry the spirit, warmth, and beauty that brought Ederlezi to life