With the solo exhibition Nahıl – Ahu’s New Journey: Redefining Objects, Space and Rituals, Ahu marks its debut in the studio origin hometown, presenting a limited-edition collection that continues the narrative of its inaugural body of work and establishes the studio as a prominent  voice from the crossroads of East and West.  Positioned at the convergence of ritual, material culture, and collectible design, the collection translates centuries of Turkish craftsmanship into bold, sculptural objects that speak to the living currents of contemporary culture.

At the heart of the project lies the nahıl –ceremonial tree-like structures that once animated Ottoman weddings and festivals. Towering in conical forms and lavishly adorned with wax figures, foliage, and gilded ornaments, the nahıl embodied both abundance and prestige while standing as a testament to Ottoman artisanship at its most theatrical. Documented in illustrated Sûrname manuscripts by court miniaturists such as Levni and recorded by chroniclers like Evliya Çelebi, these ephemeral trees remain charged emblems of a tradition that, while largely vanished, continues to resonate as a symbol of collective identity and imagination.

Ahu channels this legacy into a body of work that unfolds as domestic totems: monolithic wooden cabinets, marble and marquetry tables, seating embroidered with floral geometries, and carpets that echo their motifs. Each piece is conceived not as furniture in the conventional sense, but as a symbolic vessel where ornament, form, and material coalesce into a contemporary mythology.

Produced in collaboration with a network of Istanbul’s third-generation artisans, the collection affirms the enduring vitality of Anatolian craft.

Wood carving, marquetry, stone work, and embroidery –techniques at risk of fading into obscurity– are here reimagined into a contemporary design language.

The decorative universe, designed by Ahu, draws inspiration from the visual traditions of Suzani textiles and the fluid rhythms of ebru marbling, extending across the surfaces of the pieces as living patterns that animate their geometric rigour.

Eda Akaltun – Co-founder

Eda studied graphic design at Central Saint Martins in London and built a diverse career spanning editorial, design, publishing, and advertising. She has collaborated with prestigious clients such as the BAFTAs, The New Yorker, Herman Miller, and Krug Champagne. Since 2016, she has expanded her work into 3D environments, consulting on interior projects and creating bespoke pieces inspired by her illustrative designs.

Mevce Ciraci – Co-founder

Mevce studied product design at Central Saint Martins in London before joining Ross Lovegrove Studio, where she worked on projects spanning cosmetic packaging, lighting, and furniture design for brands such as Kenzo, Artemide, Moroso, and VitrA Bathrooms. In 2013, she returned to Istanbul and co-founded Fields Architecture and Industrial Design. Her work spans multiple scales, including residential and commercial interiors, packaging, lighting, and furniture design.