Merhaba!
My name is Melek, and I am the founder and owner of Petek Trading Co.
In 2015, I moved to the US to attend graduate school 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. 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 my home country. I reconnected with the man who sold me my first kilim, bought a batch of kilim coasters from him, and launched an online business in November 2020.
From the very beginning, the mission of this business has been clear: Finding artisans and small businesses in Turkey, giving them a wider audience, and providing them with a form of financial stability. My hope was that, by doing so, I would be able to create a space for new conversations, and change the way we think about and shop cultural heritage products here in the US.
That hope and vision has led me to participate in craft markets across the Twin Cities. Through these events I was able to connect with our customers in person, and had the opportunity to share the story of our goods and makers. In September 2022, with the support of St Paul Downtown Alliance, I took the next step and opened a storefront in downtown Saint Paul. I am excited beyond measure to dive into the cultural wealth of the country I grew up in, and give you a taste of Turkish hospitality. Thank you for being here.
(Pictured above: Our cat Archie who is perpetually trying to find a way to sneak into some Turkish goods.)
What People Are Saying
“These handmade kilim coasters are stunning and unique. Pictures cannot do them justice. The depth and vibrancy of the colors are absolutely wonderful.”
— Elisabeth
“The kilim stockings are absolutely perfect! Each is unique. Each is wonderfully made. Thank you so much for helping me through the custom order process!”
— Amy
“This lamp is truly beautiful! I will enjoy and cherish it always! Thank you!
— Jeanne
“This pillow is GORGEOUS. Photo is true to the color I received.”
— Kristen
Our Partners
Our kilim experts, Satılmış and Ayşe, repair vintage kilims and upcycle them into stockings, pillow covers, coasters, and more!
All of our leather shoes are handmade by artisans in the heart of Gaziantep, Turkey, where skilled shoemakers have been making yemeni loafers for generations.
Our olive wood products are handmade in Iznik by Syrian refugees who are employed by a fair trade organization.
Our mosaic lamps and candle holders are designed and made in İstanbul by a small business that specializes in traditional methods of glass-making and metalworking.