An Important Visit and a Syrian Bedspread

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.

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.

A Bridge Between Cultures Made of Glass, Jewelry, and Room for Diversity

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.

Craft with Heart and Purpose

Our primary focus is to create sustainable livelihoods for the sixteen artisans we work with. We visit the artisans in Turkey annually and are in daily communication with them in Afghanistan. Our collaboration is based on mutual respect and, over time, has evolved into strong friendships.

Fourteen of the artisans are women—many are Syrian refugees or internally displaced people in Afghanistan. We believe that we can create lasting change by providing especially women the opportunity to earn a stable livelihood through their craft. By supporting one woman, we empower entire families and communities, which is much needed in a region burdened with significant challenges.

Therefore, we not only share the work but also the joys and sorrows of life. Our partners are a great source of inspiration to us in our daily lives, and their strength and resilience help give us hope for our shared future.

One Simple Blanket Can Make a Big Difference

At Østerland, we don’t just dream of change. In 2024, we took a significant step and opened our own workshop in Herat, Afghanistan. Here, we create sustainable work for marginalized women – both local and internally displaced – and give them the opportunity to collaborate with Danish businesses. We believe that even large brands can make a difference by including women from vulnerable groups in their production.

As a member of UNHCR's Made 51 initiative, we ensure that our working conditions are fair and that all artisans receive a proper wage. Everything we pay our artisans is above the fair living wage set by the World Fair Trade Organization and Nest.

Made 51 is a global brand of handcrafted products made by refugees under the United Nations Refugee Agency, UNHCR. As an official MADE51 partner, Østerland collaborates directly with internally displaced women in Afghanistan to develop and produce a unique glass collection.

Our Herati Glasses create hope and income for Afghan women, whose rights and opportunities are severely limited. You can shop the Herati Glass collection on our website and on MADE51’s website.

We are proud to be part of a global movement that is creating a better future for refugees and local communities through craft.