At Ahu, we bring together 25 years of international experience in product design and visual arts, honouring the rich history and traditions of our culture while re-imagining Turkish design through a contemporary lens.
As an all-female founding team in a field traditionally dominated by men, we collaborate with a diverse network of artisans, supporting craftsmen from fading trades. The small ateliers we work with depend on project-based income, and we aspire to one day provide these these creative and talented individuals with a more permanent position within our own studio.
Through our furniture, we extend the spirit of ikram to the wider world, while also preserving and sharing the rare, vanishing techniques of handmade craftsmanship –such as the henna dyeing of wood–introducing these little-known traditions to a broader audience beyond our home city.
Istanbul boasts a deep-rooted tradition of crafts-manship, and each Ahu piece is brought to life in third-generation wood workshops scattered around the city. Our work is deeply connected to this artisanal heritage, ensuring that every creation not only reflects the essence of Ahu’s origins but is also built to stand the test of time. By blending traditional woodworking techniques with luxurious, durable materials and modern finishes, we strive to make timeless, exquisite pieces—designed to be cherished as contemporary heirlooms for generations to come.
About Eda Akaltun
Eda studied illustration and graphic design at Central Saint Martins in London. With a career spanning over a decade, she has collaborated with high-profile clients across editorial, design, publishing, and advertising, including the BAFTAs, The New Yorker, TIME, Herman Miller, Krug Champagne, and the American Institute of Architects. Eda is also the author of Marcel, a successful children’s book published by the award-winning Flying Eye Books.
Since 2016, she has expanded her creative focus to 3D environments, consulting on interior design projects and crafting unique, custom pieces inspired by her illustrative work for clients.
About Mevce Ciraci
Mevce studied product design at Central Saint Martins in London and went on to work at Ross Lovegrove Studio, where she contributed to a diverse range of projects, from cosmetic packaging to lighting and furniture design, for renowned brands such as Kenzo, Artemide, Moroso, and VitrA Bathrooms.
In 2013, she returned to Istanbul and co-founded Fields Architecture and Industrial Design studio. Mevce works across various design disciplines, including residential and commercial interiors, packaging, lighting, and furniture design. She also teaches Materials and Manufacturing courses as a part-time lecturer at several universities in Istanbul.
For a deeper look into the artistry behind Ahu’s handcrafted furniture, we invite you to connect with us at contact@ahustudio.com. If you’re interested in discussing a project tailored to your unique vision, please don’t hesitate to contact us at bespoke@ahustudio.com.
We would be delighted to guide you through our collection and answer any questions you may have.