Outside are the two chairs for a warm chit-chat; inside are handmade ceramics, beautiful green plants, Sıraselviler’s essential cats who snuggle down to sleep at any place they find, and all kinds of vegan products. Tarkan Abi, who has been a local for 18 years, welcomes us with his cat in his arms. &nbsp;How was the concept and idea of opening a vegan store shaped?&nbsp;This hood is both very central and colourful. It continuously nourishes people with its locals and structure. Although it has slightly changed in recent years, just like Taksim, I believe that the hood still resists and doesn’t lose its soul. I don’t regret being here and I don’t think I will ever regret it. Day by day, the bond we established is growing and getting stronger with the support of the locals.Animal products harm us by making us sick, without us noticing; however, whatever grows in the soil is healing. 18 years ago, I based my life on this awareness. At that time, the store was vegetarian, and so was I. In the past, veganism was not a widely known concept. About 16 years ago, I became vegan and the store changed, transformed, and turned into how it looks like today. I don’t place the products I haven’t tried like on the shelves, this is crucial for me. Fermented cashew products are especially the essentials of the store. &nbsp;I feel like what I would like to build here will fall short unless I have a transparent relationship with customers. I guess locals also notice this approach. Customers become regulars in time and near restaurants provide their needs from the store. Thanks to them, we have a sincere and robust bond.&nbsp;Do you think there is something that the hood would be better off without?There is a spectacular, historical building in front of us. For years, it was used as the parking area of the hood. Recently it has passed into other hands and we got the news that it will be a steakhouse.&nbsp;A couple of days ago, Şükran Moral, who is also a regular of Vegan Dükkân, came from Italy. Of course, she stopped by. During her visit, the curtains of the store in front of us were drawn. Since she couldn’t see what was inside, she went on to say&nbsp;‘Is this place becoming a cultural centre? If so, let’s organise an exhibition so we can come together with art lovers.’. ‘Such a naive approach.’ I thought. I believe this single instance indicates the kind of transformation Turkey has been going through. As a vegan store owner, it would be lying to say that the newly opened restaurant does not disturb me and the locals. I hope, in time, a life where no living creatures are harmed will become the priority for us all.&nbsp;

Soli

We stopped by Tarkan Abi in Sıraselviler. We talked about Vegan Dükkân (literally a vegan store), the hood, and its transformation and we stuffed our basket with vegan products. 

veganism ile ilgili hikayeler