Altinay Meerschaum Pipe

Meerschaum is a magnesium silicate, a raw material related to soapstone, but much stronger. The traditional focus of extraction is in Turkey, near the city of Eskisehir. Although there is also meerschaum from other regions, including Somalia, Turkish meerschaum is considered the highest quality.

Once, meerschaum was exported on a large scale and processed abroad. Vienna in particular developed into a metropolis for the production of meerschaum pipes. However, numerous pipe carvers have also settled in Eskiehir. To protect domestic production, Turkey issued a ban on exporting meerschaum unprocessed.

Initial difficulties - the Turkish manufacturers did not yet have the experience of their Western European colleagues - were quickly overcome and now the pipes are of the highest quality. The Altinay brand is one of the best-known and most traditional houses. As early as 1964, Necdet Altinay founded his manufactory, which now enjoys a high reputation abroad and even manufactures for other brands.

Since these smooth pipes require meerschaum of the highest quality, only a small number of each design exists. Their smoking properties are excellent: Altinay meerschaum pipes impress with their neutral taste and their cool and dry smoke.