Stories

Oya is the delicate art of needle lace, woven into the fabric of Anatolian culture for centuries. More than just ornamentation, it is a deeply rooted tradition—passed from mother to...

Istanbul is a city best experienced on foot. It’s in the narrow alleys, bustling squares, and quiet courtyards that the city truly reveals itself. So pack your best walking shoes...

With year-round sunshine, awe-inspiring temples, and an atmosphere steeped in history, Luxor is a paradise for culture and adventure seekers. The city is easily accessible from most places in Egypt,...

Most Syrian refugees remain in the Middle East, particularly in countries neighboring Syria. At Østerland, we are privileged to work closely with several Syrian artisans who fled to Turkey in...

Aziz is one of our all time favorite textile trader. He has been working in the textile and antique business more than anyone we know. He has the most beautiful...

Nehla Solak is an artisan of handicrafts. She was born in 1969 in Antakya, the most beautiful place, she tells me. This ancient town is located along the banks of...

This is a short story about crafts, history, and the aesthetics of Hatay from three artisans. Yılmaz, Şadi, and Nehla joined the Oesterland family in 2020. Oesterland was founded to...

By Idil Asan  The Turkish coastal town Antakya (Antioch) located on the banks of the Orontes River to the south-east of Turkey, bordering Syria, is often described as having been...

By Idil Asan  Food is part of our identities, our history, culture, and politics. For Palestinians in exile, it is a thread that connects to their homeland, an instrument for...

On the 8th of March we celebrate the women of the world – and then, we fight for their rights every day after that.  Many of the women we work...

By Idil Asan Idil Asan is a PhD researcher at the University of Cambridge, where she researches humanitarian praxis and the politics of assistance.  It has been more than a...

Today, 15th August 2022, marks one year since the Taliban took over Afghanistan. In the beginning we had a lot of uncertainty about the new political system, and how our...