Who we are
Isil is the founder of Alexandrette. A native of Turkey, she has been living in Brooklyn, NY since 2010. With nearly two decades of experience leading programs in the non-profit and humanitarian sectors, she brings a deep commitment to social impact into every aspect of her work. Grounded in her Turkish heritage, she now collaborates with women artisans across Turkey to share the timeless beauty of handmade rugs, kilims, and home decor—while creating meaningful economic opportunities for the craftswomen who preserve the ancient art of weaving and those creating modern pieces through looming, copper smithing, or ceramics.
Alexandrette derives its name from two origins —our owner Isil’s hometown, Iskenderun in Turkey, is known in the West as Alexandretta (Alexandrette in French), and her last name, Alexander. Its “-ette” suffix is also meant to emphasize the company being owned by a woman who supports women crafting these beautiful products.
We are a socially conscious home decor brand rooted in the rich textile traditions of Turkey. Each rug, kilim, and decor piece in our collection is handcrafted by skilled Turkish women artisans—many of whom have inherited this artistry from generations before them. By working directly with local cooperatives and artisan communities, we ensure that every creation is made ethically, sustainably, and with deep respect for the makers.
We believe that handmade goods carry more than beauty—they carry stories of resilience, culture, community, and care. We hope our pieces bring the same feelings to you and your home.
Photo: Isil’s hometown Alexandrette (Iskenderun), Turkey near Antioch, early 1930s.
Photo credit: syrianmemories.com
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