Østerland was founded in 2020 by Mathilde Høm and Suzan Yavuz with the ambition of sharing a more nuanced story about the Middle East and Afghanistan — not as regions defined by conflict, but as places shaped by strong craft traditions and generations of cultural heritage.

We work directly with artisans in Egypt, Turkey, Syria and Afghanistan. No NGOs. No wholesalers. Just us and the makers. This ensures transparency, close collaboration and long term partnerships.

Our collections consist of both traditional craftsmanship sourced directly from the region and designs developed in collaboration with our artisans. Some pieces carry generations of tradition. Others are created together, where heritage meets Scandinavian aesthetics.

Østerland is about people as much as it is about design. We work with Syrian women in Istanbul, artisans in the border region between Turkey and Syria, workshops in Egypt working with alabaster and ceramics, and women in Afghanistan who are able to embroider from their homes.

By working directly and producing in small quantities, we help create stable and dignified income through craftsmanship. For us, it is about quality, long term relationships and products with a clear origin.