Istanbul, the city that literally and figuratively bridges east and west, is where our designers found inspiration for the Royal Zanzibar Collection, now available at The Home Depot.
Known as Byzantium and Constantinople in ancient times, Istanbul is home to numerous architectural marvels, including Topkapi Palace, the primary residence of the Ottoman sultans from 1465–1856 and the Blue Mosque, which was completed in 1616 and contains more than 20,000 vividly colored tiles (though not all blue).
This is a tile from the Topkapi palace.
This is a tile from the Blue Mosque.
One striking feature of those places in particular and Turkish design in general is beautiful tile design. Rich, vivid colors and intricate patterns adorn tiles in private homes and public spaces (See examples from the palace and mosque).
Using the colors and patterns in original tile work as inspiration, our fabric designers reimagined them for today and created the patterns for outdoor cushions and pillows that you see below.
Fabric and pillows!
Turkish inspired pillows and cushions!
The cushions are available in a variety of sizes and will fit many types of furniture on your patio from dining chairs and chaises to benches. The beauty of natural raffia is used as an accent throughout and coordinates with the entire line of jacquard, basketweave and solid wovens, giving a myriad of customization possibilities. To see these cushions and learn more, go to The Home Depot website.
Turkish Recipes
Relaxing in the outdoors on your Turkish-inspired patio cushions and pillows may lead to the next logical step, enjoying a Turkish outdoor feast with friends and family! Luckily, we’ve found some recipes that are not only fairly simple to prepare but also give you an authentic taste of Turkish cuisine.
Appetizers
Turkish meze is a selection of appetizers including some that may already be familiar to you, like hummus and baba ganoush, slices of melon, stuffed grape leaves and other stuffed vegetables. Other common dishes served as appetizers include kalamar tava (fried calamari or squid), olives, and Turkish cheese. See more Turkish appetizers from ozlemsturkishtable.com here.
A traditional Turkish meze.
Beef Kebabs are perfect for a barbecue!
Main Dishes
Common Turkish main courses include everything from fish and lamb to meat, chicken and that barbecue favorite—kebabs! Here are some recipes from about.com to get you started.
Desserts
You’ve got to have something sweet to end a meal, right? My favorite Turkish dessert is baklava but I’m also a big fan of pudding, featuring flavors like pomegranate, pistachio, rose, saffron, and coconut. Click here To see a list of common Turkish desserts from seriouseats.com.
Now that you’re ready to relax on your Turkish inspired cushions and entertain with delicious food, enjoy (or as they say in Turkey, “zevk almak”)!
