Istanbul’s magic lies in its mosaic of countless cultures. While studying Istanbul’s vibrant multicultural tapestry, we were drawn to a little gem tucked away in Bağcılar – Al-Sultan Gold. There, we met shop owner Omar – a Syrian man from the city of Aleppo.
Despite his warm smile and infectious enthusiasm, Omar’s journey from Aleppo to Istanbul was not smooth or easy. Displaced by the war in Syria, he arrived in Gaziantep with his family in the year 2012, in which he was forced to work as a clerk in a supermarket. He worked minimum wage with 10 years of expertise in the art of Syrian goldsmithing, all for the sake of supporting his family.
Regardless, Omar isn’t a man stuck in the past: since moving from Gaziantep to Istanbul in 2019, he has been able to rebuild his career from scratch and turn Al Sultan Gold into one of the most well-known gold stores in the city. He beams when he speaks about his Turkish clientele, many of whom appreciate the unique Syrian aesthetic, and others who go to him simply to buy gold for their savings.
Stepping into Al Sultan Gold was like stepping into a bustling Aleppan souq. The intricate designs on display showcase a 21-carat tradition, which is a stark contrast to the typical 22-carat preference in Istanbul. Omar mentioned that 21-carat is the usual gold standard that is traded in Syria, unlike Turkey.
Omar’s unwavering dedication to integrity showed through his customers’ trust when buying from his store. “We’ve had some of our oldest customers back in Syria visit us here in our store in Istanbul. Nobody ever asks me for a scale or to verify the gold.” Omar explained that values that resonate deeply in both Syrian and Turkish business cultures are part of his experience and expertise and why customers from both cultures choose his store when purchasing gold.
On our visit to Al Sultan Gold on the 21st of March, which symbolizes the beginning of Spring and its blooming on its first day, Omar’s store was filled with customers buying gold for their mothers at the event. “Buying gold for our mothers on Mother’s Day is a tradition we keep alive even in the diaspora”, said Jamal, one of Omar’s frequent customers. Omar mentioned that Mother’s Day is their busiest workday during the whole year, followed by Eid Al-Fitr.
“For these events, Syrian people in Istanbul always prefer to buy their loved one’s gifts from a Syrian gold seller. They see the Ummi (mother) pieces on Instagram and ask for them when they come”, said Omar. For Eid Al-Fitr, most of his pieces are sold as Haq al-Milh (price of salt), which are gifts from husbands to their wives to thank them for their efforts during the month of Ramadan.
Syrian gold traders’ experiences enrich Istanbul’s cultural tapestry in more than one way. Omar and other gold traders bring not only exquisite Syrian craftsmanship but also a deep appreciation for cultural understanding and honest trade. As Omar himself says, “Gold may be a universal language, but the way we craft it and the stories it holds from our heritage and culture is where the true beauty lies.”
Our encounter with Omar served as a powerful reminder of the vibrancy that multiculturalism brings to Istanbul. It’s a city where traditions are not just preserved but celebrated, a city where displacement fosters exchange, and where shared values like Omar’s integrity bind cultures together. It’s a city that reminds us that the most valuable treasures aren’t always made of gold but of resilience, respect, and the human capacity to adapt and thrive.
Al Sultan Gold: Çınar, Fatih Cd. No:119, 34200 Bağcılar/İstanbul