Shawls, scarves, table-runners, bedspreads, sofa throws, pillow-cases made from handwoven fabrics, carved wooden products, ceramics, specially designed bracelets... all from the bountiful land of Anatolia... motiftr.com is dedicated to the discovery of this fascinating and colorful world of traditional Turkish handicrafts. Ahmet Koçak is the founder of the motiftr.com project. Being a former guide, he knows Anatolia well and he has been interested in Turkish traditional arts for many years. He spent almost two years on realizing his dreams of sharing his passion of Turkish traditional handcrafted arts with the entire world through this website. Mr. Koçak who was born in Istanbul completed his high school education in the French College of Saint-Benoît. He graduated from the Political Sciences Faculty of Ankara University with a degree in Public Finance in 1986. Afterwards, as a professional tour guide, he introduced Anatolia to many European friends of Turks until his path led him to Şirince, “the paradise on Earth” near the world-famous ruins of the ancient roman city of Ephesus in western Anatolia. “Falling in love at first sight” with this Aegean mountain village just 13 kilometers from the sea, he opened a picturesque boutique hotel, Şirince Evleriwith only 6 rooms hosting 15 people. However, it was time for Koçak to set new goals as he felt that Şirince had become well known through his guests from the USA, Australia and Europe. His adventure with Motif started with the little shop he opened in Şirince, aiming to introduce Turkish handicrafts to his guests at the hotel, especially hand-woven silk and wool fabrics which have been his special interest for many years. “...And gradually, the interest and the increasing demand we received from abroad as well as the Motif Handicrafts special items becoming popular as Christmas and special-day gifts, inspired us to begin the on-line marketing of our selected products” says Mr. Koçak. Motif Handicrafts celebrated its 10th anniversary in March 2004. motiftr.com, promoting the special products of traditional Anatolian creativity, is 10 years old today. Having flourished through your interest and trust, motifTR.com expends extensive efforts to connect world-wide artefact lovers around this informative, enjoyable and reliable hub. Happy browsing!