An Interview with Ayşe and Hatice, the Creators of "Gray Bear Storm," on Ceramics and Tea.

What is the Black Sea region famous for? Its tea, hazelnuts, and its determined, hardworking women. The industriousness of Black Sea women is generally defined through tea and hazelnut farming. This is true, of course, but not entirely sufficient. The story of Ayşe and Hatice is a beautiful example of this. Two sisters, Ayşe and Hatice, who returned to their grandfather's hometown years ago, opened a ceramics workshop right across from the village coffee shop in Çamlıhemşin, waging a war against windmills. They are one of the finest examples of reverse migration to Anatolia. Bozayı is a world-class ceramics art initiative, located in Çamlıhemşin.

Lazika lovers are actually familiar with the Brown Bear and its magnificent ceramics. The coffee cups we use at Cafe Lazika Maslak are their design. In Lazika's social media photos, you can see Hatice's skillful hands holding slender glasses or Lazika tea bags. If you see a magnificent Hemşin house as the setting, it's very likely Hatice and Ayşe's house in Mollaveis village. We've talked a lot, now it's the turn of Ayşe and Hatice, the owners of those skillful hands, to speak.

Can you tell us about yourself and your experience with the Brown Bear project?

Ayşe Ergüner: I am a graduate of Gazi University's ceramics department. For many years, I continued my artistic work in my own workshop. Later, Hatice and I started working together, and the idea of ​​returning to Fırtına Valley, which had always been our dream, emerged. We really liked the idea of ​​producing and selling things in our own free space, and that's how we laid the foundations of Bozayı.

Hatice Ergüner: I was working in finance in the private sector and I wasn't happy with my job, so I resigned. During this time, Ayşe and I constantly dreamed of setting up a workshop in our village. We worked hard, pursued our dreams, and brought Bozayı to where it is today.

Ayşe Ergüner, as a ceramic artist, your sculptures are very impressive and original. What is your source of inspiration that makes them so unique?

I draw inspiration from nature not only in my sculptures but in all my work. The dynamic forms and figures I create are all imitations of nature. However, in my sculptures, I also explore the helplessness and imaginary rebellions of prey animals.

The mugs you made for Lazika are very popular; they sold out very quickly in the section where we put them on sale. What are the most important aspects that Bozayı prioritizes when producing ceramic products for tea and coffee, and what should the design of a container for a hot beverage be like?

We don't put a product up for sale if we don't enjoy making and using it ourselves; I think that's the key. The grip and ergonomics are also important. When drinking hot beverages, the cup is usually held with the palms of both hands to help warm it, and we take this into consideration when designing our cups.

Are you a tea producer? When you look at tea production in your area, what does the landscape look like in the region, and what is it like to live in the land of tea, through the eyes of Ayşe and Hatice?

We never had large tea plantations. When we were children, my grandfather had a small tea garden where he carefully picked each leaf, and it's still there, holding only nostalgic significance for us. Here, time flows according to the tea; the first harvest, the cleaning of the gardens, the hustle and bustle of harvest time… Everything here is planned around the tea.

Where do you like to drink tea the most?

First on the list is our home veranda; there's nothing quite like enjoying tea while admiring the beautiful view of the valley. And the balcony of our shop is also a lovely place to have tea.

Which teas do you like to drink the most?

Hatice Ergüner: My favorite is bergamot-flavored black tea.

👉 Click here to discover our Bergamot Black Teas