25.11.2025 11:12
Üzeyir Çetin, who runs a tea house in Burdur, has been collecting the tea packages he brews for 18 years, saying, "I want the customer to know what they are drinking." Çetin displays approximately 15,000 tea packages as decor in his workplace and stated, "There have been people who wanted to buy them, but I won't sell them; I will continue to collect."
Üzeyir Çetin, a 56-year-old resident of Burdur, started working as a hobby in a tea house in 1985. After some time, Çetin opened his own business and has been continuing his profession for 40 years. In 2007, he began collecting tea packages as a hobby, placing them in front of his business to create his collection.
HE HAS COLLECTED NEARLY 15,000 TEA PACKAGES
Çetin, who has collected nearly 15,000 tea packages in 18 years, stated that he will continue to collect tea packages as long as he continues his profession, expressing that he will never sell his collection to those who wish to buy from him.
"WE STARTED SO THAT CUSTOMERS CAN SEE THE PRODUCT WE USE"
Üzeyir Çetin, who started the tea business as a hobby, said, "I thought we would work for 3 days and then leave. But then it continued and went on. We said this is our bread, and we continue. I thought of creating a design for my collection as a pleasure in 2007, and that's how we started. We wanted it to be visually appealing, so that at least the customers can see what product we are using. There are tea bags from only one brand. Since I started the collection, I have never thrown away any tea bags. Right now, we have nearly 15,000 tea packages. As long as I continue this profession, this work will continue. I don't know if it will continue after I stop," he said.
"I DIDN'T SELL BECAUSE I THOUGHT THEY HAD BAD INTENTIONS"
Çetin, who stated that his collection attracts the interest of those who see it, said, "Those who see my collection generally find it interesting. There are also those who appreciate it. Some say it has become a visual beauty. As far as I know, there is no one else who makes such a collection. Anyone can create a collection. I have seen all kinds of collections, but I have not seen anyone collecting tea packages. People came to me in the past to buy them. There were those who wanted to buy the packages. I didn't sell them because I thought they had bad intentions. I thought they could take these packages and make illegal tea. That's why I protect my collection and do not sell it," he said.