Østerland’s modest beginnings were established in southeastern Turkey near the Syrian border in 2020, specifically in the city of Hatay, where Suzan was living and engaged in refugee work for the Danish Refugee Council. Here, she introduced Mathilde to the historic city, rich in life and craft traditions. After several visits to small workshops filled with enchanting handicrafts, they had fallen in love with the place, and the idea of supporting artisans and promoting the rich cultural heritage of the Middle East was born.

A bridge between cultures made of glass, jewelry, and room for diversity

The first product, a Syrian bedspread woven in a family-owned workshop, was quickly sold, and soon they expanded their range with more handicrafts created by Syrian refugees in Turkey. What began as a simple purchase soon grew into a business with a mission: Østerland.

Today, at Østerland, we collaborate with artisans in Hatay, Istanbul, Kabul, and Herat. We carefully select products that, in our view, represent the diversity of the Middle East, and we occasionally purchase from countries like Yemen, Lebanon, Palestine, and Iraq. Our goal is to showcase the beauty, vibrant creativity, and rich traditions of the region, thereby challenging entrenched perceptions of the Middle East and Afghanistan.