A taste of Turkey

Beyoglu Market opens in Crossroads Plaza

by Mark Jahne

Editor

Photos by Mark Jahne

Walk into Beyoglu Market and it quickly becomes apparent that this is not a typical grocery store.

Most of the cans and packages are labeled in Turkish. There are fresh fruits not usually found in other stores such as pomegranates. The place exudes the feel of Turkey, the historic crossroads between Europe and Asia.

Derya and Doganay Yildirim own and operate the Beyoglu Market.

Derya Yildirim and her husband Doganay own and operate the market. They are the parents of two girls, Zehra and Zeynep. The goods on the shelves are imported, mostly from Turkey with others from such places as Bosnia, Albania, Germany, Italy and India. Even the coffee and tea are imported from Europe.

“Everything is imported,” Derya said.

They are plenty of options when it comes to buying cheese.

Doganay is a food wholesaler. The couple said government-imposed tariffs on foreign goods have forced them to increase prices but they successfully weathered their first four months in business and are confident that they will enjoy long-term success.

“It’s going OK. It takes time,” Derya said.

They said shoppers, many of whom have become repeat customers, are coming from all over Connecticut and Massachusetts to purchase these hard-to-find ethnic foods. The couple works closely with importers to keep the shelves stocked.

The bakery counter features uniquely Turkish dessert and pastry items.

They have already seen an influx of curious customers who do business at the nearby UPS Store. This is their version of living the American dream.

“I’m here for 26 years,” Derya said.

She came to the United States to be with her family. Her father, who is of Turkish ancestry, immigrated from Germany.

All of the meat in the store is prepared according to the Halal standard of the Islamic faith.

The Yildirims decided to open a decent-sized store that offers one-stop shopping. Walk up and down the aisles and one will find a selection of packaged and frozen food, fresh produce, meats, cheeses, snacks, household products and much more.

“That’s what I wanted to do. I want everything in it,” Derya said.

All the meat is butchered in accordance with halal standards. Halal is an Arabic term meaning permissible or lawful under Islamic law, primarily referring to dietary guidelines. It signifies that food, particularly meat, is prepared according to specific standards that emphasize animal welfare, including a swift, humane slaughter with the name of Allah (God) invoked.

“The butcher does a great job,” she said.

The shelves are stacked with chocolates and other sweet treats.

There is a lot of lamb, beef, chicken, veal and goat at the meat counter. Next to it is a display case of unique dessert items. The market may have a distinct Turkish theme but it is appealing to other ethnic groups as well.

“We have 20 percent Turkish people coming. We have 30 percent from here, we have 50 percent Albanians and Bosnians,” Derya said.

She added that meats and cheeses are among the most popular items.

“We have a lot of frozen stuff. We have a lot of yogurt. We have a lot of chocolate,” including the popular Dubai brand, along with hard-to-find ice cream brands and baklava.

“We’re going to bring more in,” Derya said. “Everyone knows baklava. Fish comes every Thursday from Turkey,” she added.

“Right now, it’s Ramadan” and the store is stocked with the foods eaten during this holiday observance and the upcoming Eid al Fitr holiday. CL

Beyoglu Market is located at 34 Shunpike Road in the Crossroads Plaza. It is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.