There was an ancient town of Myra, which is now called Demre and is located in the country of Turkey. From this town there comes an ancient Christmas legend of The Three Purses - In this small town lived a noble man who had lost his fortune. He could no longer afford food and clothing for his family of three daughters, who were as noble as their father. His daughters were of an age to marry, but the poverty was a barrier in those days because the father could not afford their dowries. The family grew desperate.
Saint Nicholas, the bishop of Myra, heard about the plight of this family and decided to rescue them. However, he did not want to approach the nobleman and offer him help, as he knew that such an approach would be politely turned down. So, he made up his mind to do it anonymously and secretly.
One night St. Nicholas visited the house and threw a silken purse filled with gold on the eldest daughter's bed. The next morning when she found it, the family was overjoyed and bought some food and clothes for themselves. The eldest daughter could now marry.
A second night, St. Nicholas threw another silken purse of gold on the bed of the second daughter. The family was delighted and she also married.
The nobleman had grown suspicious and wanted to track down their secret patron. He hid beneath window, the third night and waited. When St. Nicholas came to throw the third silken purse of gold, the nobleman leaped out and thanked him for his kindness. St. Nicholas requested the nobleman not reveal his good deeds to anyone. He told him it was his duty to help the needy.
As this story evolved it was told that St. Nicholas passed silken purses of gold through the kitchen chimney which landed in the daughters' stockings of the daughters which were hung on the chimney for drying.
St. Nicholas, came to be known as Santa Claus. St. Nicholas/Santa is a generous person, known for his charity and benevolence.
So What Do Purses Look Like In Turkey Today?
Here are four of Turkey's purse designers -
https://mehrymu.com/?lang=en
Güneş Mutlu founded handbag brand Mehry Mu in 2009. Characterised by boxy, sculptural bags, often featuring wicker and woven details, velvet and embroideries, Mehry Mu was created from Mutlu’s love of fabrics. Eastern design is very much part of the brand’s aesthetic, and influences from colorful Istanbul and Morocco. Functional design and effortless styles.
https://manuatelier.com/product-category/bags/
Sisters Beste and Merve Manastır founded Manu Atelier in 2014 to promote handicrafts and pay tribute to their father, who is a renowned leather goods craftsman. Their boxy, structured styles are available in a wide variety of colors perfect for the modern woman.
https://sanayi313.com/en/work/ragno-clutch/
Sanayi 313 is an accessories brand for the fashion-forward individual. Launched in 2015, the label offers a ready-to-wear line designed by Serena Uziyel; every piece is handmade by skilled artisans, in processes that can take around 100 hours. Uziyel previously worked for luxury brands including Alberta Ferretti before teaming up with interior architect Enis Karavil, who set up Sanayi 313 in Istanbul. Since last season, the brand has been focusing on expanding its handbag line with the creation of three new shapes.
https://www.mlouye.com/?currency=USD
Meb Rure founded Mlouye in 2015 in Turkey and has excellent quality and design at its heart. Mlouye offers styles in monthly drops rather than following trends. The Lantern bag was inspired by a classic lampshade and is made of smooth, sturdy Italian leather. The label’s sculptural bags are connected to Rure’s background in industrial design – works of art that fit together playfully.
Best wishes to You In Purse-Suit of a
Happy Holiday Season
and A Fabulous New Year Ahead
