Traditional Trade: The Story of Herbalists in Konya

The story of the historical bazaar that stands at the forefront of everyone's knowledge in Konya, where handicraft materials for women are sold, and Konya's famous herbalists...

The initial herbalists were likely individuals who sold aromatic herbs and spices. They used to sell various types of essences and spices brought by caravans from Far Eastern countries. In addition to these imports, herbalists in our country also sold certain locally grown plants, usually used for medicinal purposes, either cultivated spontaneously or by professionals.

Over time, herbalists in Konya began to sell various goods and commodities for different purposes, departing from their traditional occupations. For example, they started selling items such as glassware, porcelain, beads, threads, spools, silk, and other materials used in women's handicrafts. They also offered parts related to lighting devices like wicks, glass, and lampshades for oil lamps, as well as handmade paper lanterns, candles, gramophone records and needles, and kitchen utensils. These were among the goods sold by herbalists.

During both the Seljuk and Ottoman periods, when professional organizations in Konya were counted, the name of herbalists frequently appeared. After the great bazaar fire in 1867, the Herbalists' Bazaar in Konya relocated to its present location, between Türbe Street and Teşvikiye Street. It is situated on both the right and left sides of Teşvikiye Street.

The word "Herbalist" in Turkish is referred to as "Attar." Attar is the plural form of the Arabic word "ıtr," which denotes a fragrant plant or a pleasant and beautiful scent. Over time, the word transformed into "aktar" in Turkish. However, in Konya, among the primary customers of the market, it has preserved its pronunciation as "ettar."

During the early years of the Republic, the most famous herbalists in Konya's Bazaar were largely composed of people from the Akseki community. The renowned Azmüsebatlar were among them, with their shop located inside the Bedesten. Another famous herbalist was Silleli Şaban. Attar Yaşar practiced his profession on Türbe Street, along with his brother and children. The oldest herbalist in Attarlariçi was Haji Yusuf. Later on, the street where Attar Haji Yusuf's shop was located was named “Attar Hacı Yusuf Street” in his honor. Attar Kel Aziz mainly sold goods targeting women.

Attar Elliikiler initially sold herbals but later started selling bicycles. Attar Fazıl and Kümük Attar were famous herbalists in Konya. Among those who traditionally practiced herbals trade, there were Attar Oğlakçı and Attar Rasık (or Rasih) Hodja. They sold fragrant herbs, spices, and medicinal plants used in alternative medicine until the end of their lives. In present-day Konya, among the herbalists who operate similarly to the old herbalists, selling natural herbs and spices, Yafes Sinop, the son of Dereli Kemal, is quite well-known.