Let’s start with the very first question everyone asks when they walk through our door: “What does Maride mean?”
For us, this name is much more than a brand. According to historical sources, “Maride” was the name given to Mardin around the 4th century AD. It reflects Sevil’s deep connection to the land where she was born and her respect for her roots. But this story is not just about a name; it’s about a way of life, courage, and transformation.
Our journey began in Istanbul. For years, we worked within the fast pace of the big city. Akın was an engineer running his own business in the electronic security sector, while Sevil was an entrepreneur passionate about producing natural and organic products. Our lives were stable, our businesses were doing well, yet deep inside we always dreamed of a different kind of life.
Then one day, an unplanned decision changed everything. A holiday, a conversation, and one simple question: “Why don’t we live here?”
The more we thought about it, the clearer the answer became. By the time we returned to Istanbul, nothing felt the same anymore.
Our decision to move to Bodrum was quick, but conscious. Our biggest motivation was wanting our daughter to grow up in a healthier environment. Clean air, a calmer life, and being close to nature… These were not luxuries for us, but necessities. We moved, but not everything changed overnight. For many years, Akın continued traveling back and forth to Istanbul. Closing our businesses and building a new life took time. But the idea of this “new life” inside us never faded.
So how was Maride born?
In fact, everything started with a very small idea: the Bodrum mandarin.
One day, we came across recipes made with mandarins in a magazine and thought: “Bodrum has such a valuable product, so why is it used so little?”
That was the moment the very first seed of Maride was planted.
At first, our dream was very small. Maybe a simple and sincere place with just a few tables… But over time, we realized that we didn’t just want to open a café. We wanted to share our lifestyle.
When we opened our doors in 2016, our menu had only a few items: cheesecake, panna cotta, and mandarin-based desserts. But we were certain about one thing: whatever we made would always be natural, additive-free, and something we truly believed in. Because we wanted to serve our guests exactly what we would serve in our own home.
Today, we still continue with the same philosophy.
At Maride, there are no frozen products. No ready-made sauces. No shortcuts. Everything is prepared in our kitchen using our own recipes.
Akın’s engineering background transformed into a completely different kind of discipline in the kitchen. Precision, balance, experimentation… Every product is the result of a long process of refinement. Our croissants, sourdough breads, and desserts have all gone through countless trials to become what they are today.
Sevil, on the other hand, is the heart of it all. The connection with guests, the warmth, the feeling of “being at home”… This is one of the most important things that makes Maride truly Maride.
Over time, our menu expanded. Croissants were added, breakfasts evolved, and gluten-free and sugar-free products found their place on the menu. Because we changed too—we learned, researched, and grew. Healthy eating became not a trend for us, but a way of life.
And the Bodrum mandarin still holds a very special place in our hearts. We see it not just as a fruit, but as a cultural treasure of this region. We continue to celebrate it in our cheesecakes and desserts.
And we are so glad we came here.
Today, when we look back, our greatest happiness is the connection we’ve built. Many people who walk through our doors are no longer just guests—they’ve become friends. And every single day, we still say “welcome” with the same excitement.
For us, Maride is not just a café. It is a life choice. A dream turned into reality. And most importantly, the most beautiful way of sharing.
So if your path ever brings you to Bodrum, we invite you not only for a cup of coffee… But to become part of this story.
