Ab-ı Hayat
A collection of meze serving pieces designed to preserve the rhythm of the table while making more room for sharing and conversation.
Rethinking a table ritual
The rakı table is more than a way of eating and drinking. It is a social ritual shaped by sharing, equality and unhurried conversation. Every meze arrives together, and the table remains intact until the conversation ends.
Ab-ı Hayat begins with this cultural behaviour. Giving each serving piece a defined place reduces visual clutter; pieces can move during service and return intuitively without interrupting the table's order.
The name means “water of life”. It is also a term used for rakı and the meaning of Bengisu's own name, turning the project into a deeply personal design narrative.
What is in the collection?
Juicy meze bowl
Hot meze plate
Salad bowl
Cheese & fruit plate
Cold meze plate
The collection adapts to tables for two, four or six. Off-white ceramic surfaces keep attention on the food, while colours drawn from grapes, anise, olive oil and the Mediterranean landscape appear on the wooden bases. A tealight cavity beneath the hot meze plate helps keep food warm at the table.
From research to making
The project began with research into table culture, interviews with chefs and restaurateurs, meyhane experiences in London and user observation. Findings moved through sketches, 3D models and prototypes testing different table arrangements.
Ceramic pieces were developed through slip casting, while wooden bases were shaped on the lathe. Form, ergonomics and manufacturability were repeatedly tested through physical models and user feedback.
