Treasures of Turkey: A ‘beautiful’ experience at Tweed Heads

A second-generation Turkish Northern Rivers man is continuing his father’s legacy - and enhancing it, with art classes where residents can make a unique mosaic lamp. Watch the video.

Two years ago, in the midst of Covid, Cenek Sevinc lost his job working as a data researcher at Western Sydney University.

He set about looking for a new gig, until someone suggested he should take on his father’s business of 40 years, setting up a store at Tweed Heads which had made its name selling handmade rugs.

As a young child and from humble beginnings in Turkey, Mr Sevinc recalls how his father sold plastic bags while his mother made rugs.

The step to follow broadly in that tradition made sense - and he had a dream to inject greater Turkish culture into the store, and to travel the world.

Cenek Sevinc has made every post a winner since taking on his father‘s business of 40 years. Picture: David Bonaddio. Picture: David Bonaddio

Treasures of Turkey at Tweed Heads South is the physical totem to that pursuit, and from its doors locals and visitors can select from Turkish-inspired rugs, mugs, plates, lamps and more.

The Iranian Tabriz rug is an exotic and exquisite example of the wares within.

It takes approximately one to one-and-a-half years to make, starting with hand-spinning wool coloured with vegetable dye.

The prized rug will set you back $16,000.

Mr Sevinc said the small knots involved in its manufacture equal high quality, and make it a painstaking labour of love.

The Iranian Tabriz rug takes approximately one to one-and-a-half years to make. Picture: David Bonaddio

Treasures of Turkey also offers customers the opportunity to make their own mosaic lamps in tailor-made classes, which are proving popular with Tweed locals.

Customers can craft a unique mosaic lamp by selecting from an array of small glass cuttings, and placing them onto a frame, piece by piece.

Treasures of Turkey in Tweed Heads Souths sells a variety of Turkish-inspired items such as rugs, plates, mugs, lamps and more. Picture: David Bonaddio

Mr Sevinc said Turkish culture is rich in history, and its stories prove a hit with his customers at Tweed.

“People who’ve never visited Turkey before would be surprised how hospitable and friendly and warm they are,” he said.

“I would love people to come and visit and share a bit of our culture with them ... to see all of the beautiful products and experience we can offer.

“We hope to be in every city in the future, and hopefully, we’ll have a bigger range of products and better experiences to give people.”