If you are looking for somewhere to buy beautifully presented, delicious, homemade local produce in Fethiye, a shop called Fethiye Evi is opening its doors in Erasta AVM, and it’s one that supports the local community too.
Fethiye Evi
Fethiye Evi (Fethiye House), a beautifully restored building that was once a home and which overlooks the end of Fethiye’s promenade, is the centre of operations for retired teacher and philanthropist, Nesrin Saatçı and her dedicated team of volunteers and supporters.
A different philosophy
Open to the public, there are shady tables and chairs on the pedestrianized area outside, making it reminiscent of times gone by – perfect for meeting friends, people watching or having a quiet sit down.
But this is no ordinary business, as Fethiye Evi is run with a very special philosophy; the proceeds from the sale of tea and home made Turkish sweetmeats are used to help local people with disabilities.
For example, last week they bought a wheel chair for a youngster with mobility issues.
A new enterprise
Now, Mrs Saatçı (whose husband is Fethiye major, Behçet Saatçı) has expanded Fethiye Evi’s reach with a new enterprise that saw the opening of a delightful shop on Wednesday in the town’s busy Erasta Shopping Mall.
As with the original Fethiye Evi concept, everything in the shop is home made and locally sourced and all the proceeds are being used to help the local women who make the products and support local youngsters and adults with disabilities.
Fethiye’s cornucopia
On sale there are a cornucopia of natural, locally produced and homemade products ranging from olive oil to nar ekşisi (pomegranate molasses) and soaps, dried herbs and peppers to name but a few. There are also examples of locally woven dastar and jars of delicious conserves and olives.
Local products that help the community
So, for anyone looking to enjoy some of Fethiye’s traditional delicacies and condiments, or some different kinds of gifts or souvenirs, why not pop in and splash the cash?
Remember, not only are you buying into Fethiye’s traditional culture, you are also helping the local community. The official opening is at 4pm (16:00) on Thursday 3rd March 2016.
What is Fethiye Evi?
During an interview made back in 2011 for another publication, we asked Nesrin Saatçı to tell us about Fethiye Evi.
Fethiye Evi
Eleven years ago, retired science teacher Nesrin Saatçı started Fethiye Evi with her husband, Fethiye’s mayor Beçhet Saatçı. Back then it was a dilapidated old Rumevi (Greek house) in the middle of town but now it is an important meeting place for local women.
There, although it is a women-only team that make the food that’s on sale, both men and women can buy it.
Mrs Saatçı told us, “Our women need to earn money and this place gives them a chance to do that. Divorced or widowed women can make some money for themselves here.
It is not possible for all women to have the same chances, but Turkish women have their own culture that can make them rich in different ways.
I believe Turkish woman are powerful in their own way, often working behind the scenes, encouraging their husbands, sometimes without their husbands even realizing it.”
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