Turkish collectors expanding into businesses and museums

In Turkey, individuals are transitioning personal collecting hobbies into commercial enterprises and museum projects.

In Bursa, Bilal Acar and Ahmet Canbaz are restoring vintage public transport vehicles from the 1950s and 1960s. The project involves sourcing original parts internationally to preserve transportation history, with plans to establish a museum and workshop in İzmit.

In Antakya, biologist Sedat Çam has developed a global e-commerce business centered on natural stones. His interest in geology began in 2016 after a chance encounter with a unique stone while exercising. After an initial two-year period without sales, Çam traveled through 79 provinces across Turkey to build a collection of approximately 15,000 stones spanning roughly 250 species, including amethyst, citrine, and obsidian.

Operating from a workshop converted from his home’s rooftop, Çam utilizes a chemical-free cleaning process involving only pressurized hot water to maintain specimen integrity. His business has evolved into an export venture, with shipments reaching countries including Argentina, Belgium, France, England, Romania, and Greece. Stone prices range from 200 TL to 50,000 TL depending on rarity, color, and authenticity.