Heritage
A house, in its own words
Derya Turkan grew up in Istanbul before eventually relocating to London, where she transitioned from an academic career into the world of fragrance. The move from academia to perfumery represents a significant reinvention, though the precise circumstances of this shift remain documented primarily through her own accounts and boutique marketing materials. Turkan established her fragrance house in the Richmond area of southwest London, positioning Türkan within a neighborhood known for curated independent retailers. The brand's first fragrances appeared in 2021, including the No/1 Épicé and No/4 Boisé expressions, suggesting the collection developed as a cohesive numbered system from its inception. By 2024, the house had expanded to at least ten numbered expressions, with new releases appearing in both 2022 and 2024. A fourth anniversary post appeared in 2024 or 2025, confirming the brand had been operating for approximately four years at that point. The boutique in Richmond functions as the primary point of sale and sensory engagement for customers, reinforcing the intimate, discovery-driven model that characterizes the house. Türkan positions its collection around numbered expressions rather than thematic narratives, a deliberate choice that invites wearers to approach each fragrance without preconception. The house appears to prioritize balance and restraint, with expressions spanning citrus, floral, woody, and amber categories suggesting a range of intensities rather than a singular aesthetic. The brand's stated emphasis on authenticity and balance, as noted in anniversary communications, indicates an interest in compositions that avoid excess. The numbered system itself suggests an ongoing conversation with customers rather than a fixed lineup of signature scents. Each release is treated as a distinct creative statement, with some numbers later revisited in updated concentrations such as the No/8 Floraison Eau de Parfum, which arrived in 2024 as an amplification of the original 2021 composition. This approach implies a willingness to refine and expand upon previous work rather than treating each launch as a closed chapter. The founder's academic background in Istanbul may inform a more analytical approach to fragrance construction, though specific details about her perfumery training or methodology remain limited in available sources.