Saint Paul Downtown Alliance: Petek Trading Co. – St. Paul, MN
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Sharing the story of Turkey one handmade product at a time!
We partner with a variety of small businesses from all over Turkey. We actively take part in the design and curation process, and continue the conversation at every step of the way. We love our artisans and will continue to highlight the amazing work they do on our Instagram page.
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Kilim Rugs
Carefully curated selection of hand-knotted Turkish kilim rugs in various colors and sizes.
Stockings
Our Christmas stockings are made from handwoven Turkish kilims and come in a lovely array of colors and patterns.
Towels
Bath and hand towels made from 100% Oeko-Tex certified Turkish cotton. Lightweight, absorbent, and oh-so-pretty!
Olive Wood
An ongoing collaboration with a fair trade company that employs Syrian refugees in Turkey.
Pillow Covers
Our pillow covers come in different sizes, styles, and colors. All made from hand-knotted Turkish kilims.
Coasters
Our coasters are cut from one-of-a-kind Turkish kilims. They are practical, durable, and absolutely gorgeous.
Makeup Bags
A selection of kilim makeup and essentials bags lined with a luxurious fabric, and fitted with a canvas handle.
Tote Bags
These tote bags are a work of love. They are cut from kilims, structured by buttery-leather handles, and lined with a luxurious satin fabric. This collection honors the women who played important roles in our lives, and their achievements.
Mosaic Collection
Lovingly handmade by women in İstanbul, these mosaic lamps come in a variety of sizes and styles.
Leather Shoes
Handmade by artisans in Gaziantep, Turkey, following centuries old traditions — that’s what our yemeni shoes are all about. 100 % leather with a rubber outsole, they are made to last.
About
Merhaba!
My name is Melek Petak, and I am the founder and owner of Petek Trading Co.
In 2015, I moved to the US to begin my graduate studies at the University of Notre Dame. I brought with me a small Turkish kilim, one kilim pillow cover, and a stocking as reminders of home. What I thought was going to be a 2-year program turned into settling in Saint Paul, MN after I met my husband.
As I started building a life here in the US, I realized that most people don’t know much about Turkey, or Turkish culture. I began to think about starting an initiative modeled after fair-trade organizations: Bringing ethically-sourced Turkish goods to the US to support artisans in Turkey. I reconnected with the man who sold me my first kilim and bought my first batch of coasters from him. I started seeking artisans and small businesses in Turkey so that I can give them a wider audience and provide them with a form of financial stability. This is an ongoing process — and I am excited beyond measure to dive into the cultural wealth of the country I grew up in.
Through this little company, I hope to create space for new conversations, change the way we think about and shop cultural heritage products, and take part in bringing a Turkish-shade of beauty to your worlds, if you’d be so kind as to let me. Thank you for being here.
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Location
24 West 7th Place
Saint Paul, MN
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ICYMI
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