hıstory
PETEK 1855
A Legacy of Craftsmanship Since 1855
The story of Petek 1855 began in 1855 in Köprülü (present-day Veles), a historic town in the Balkans that was then part of the Ottoman Empire.
At a time when craftsmanship defined both livelihoods and communities, İsmail Efendi, a master saddler and leather craftsman, established a small workshop producing handmade leather goods. Working along the banks of the Vardar River, he created harnesses, riding equipment and everyday leather articles, laying the foundations of what would become one of the oldest leather-making family traditions in the region.
For generations, leather craftsmanship was not simply a profession within the family; it was a way of life. Knowledge, discipline and respect for quality were passed from father to son, preserving a culture of craftsmanship that would endure through periods of profound political and social change.
İsmail Efendi's son, Hüseyin Efendi, expanded his knowledge by travelling to Austria, one of the leading centres of leather craftsmanship of the period. Upon returning home, he introduced new techniques and production methods, reflecting a mindset that would remain at the heart of the family business for generations: respect for tradition combined with openness to innovation.
The late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries brought significant challenges to the Balkans. Political instability, economic hardship and social upheaval affected countless families, including the Saraç family. Yet despite these difficulties, the family remained committed to their craft and continued to preserve their expertise in leatherworking.
The third generation was represented by Hamdi Hüseyin İsmailov, who formally earned his master craftsman's certification in 1946. Deeply inspired by the ideals of modern Türkiye and by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, Hamdi Bey looked toward a future beyond the borders of his birthplace.
In 1954, he made the life-changing decision to relocate his family to Istanbul.
The move marked not only a geographical transition, but the beginning of a new chapter. Like many immigrant families of the era, they arrived with limited resources and faced considerable challenges while building a new life. Through resilience, discipline and determination, they gradually established themselves once again. Those early years became the foundation of a family culture centred on hard work, entrepreneurship and an unwavering commitment to craftsmanship.
In Türkiye, the family adopted the surname Saraçkardeşler and continued to build upon generations of accumulated knowledge and experience. The fourth generation — Kemal, Mustafa and İsmet Saraçkardeşler — played a pivotal role in transforming a traditional family trade into a modern manufacturing business, while preserving the values that had guided the family since 1855.
Over time, Petek evolved from a local leather goods manufacturer into a respected name within the Turkish leather industry. While remaining faithful to its artisanal roots, the company embraced modern production methods, international quality standards and continuous development.
Today, Petek 1855 stands as one of Türkiye's longest-established family-owned leather goods manufacturers. Combining traditional craftsmanship with contemporary production expertise, the company specialises in premium leather bags, small leather goods, belts and accessories.
Now led by fifth-generation family members Hamdi and Korhan Saraçkardeşler, Petek 1855 continues to build upon a heritage spanning more than 170 years. The company proudly manufactures in Türkiye and partners with internationally recognised luxury and premium brands, bringing generations of leather craftsmanship to global markets.
More than a business, Petek 1855 represents the continuity of a family legacy. From İsmail Efendi's small workshop in Veles to a modern manufacturing organisation serving the international fashion industry, the company's journey reflects the enduring values of craftsmanship, integrity, perseverance and innovation.
Today, as it looks toward the future, Petek 1855 remains committed to preserving the traditions inherited from previous generations while continuing to invest in people, technology and excellence in leather craftsmanship.
The journey that began in a modest saddler's workshop in 1855 continues today — five generations later — carrying forward a heritage shaped by dedication, resilience and an enduring passion for leather craftsmanship.