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= George Baker = George Baker (1822 - 18 Feb 1905) was a British businessman, best known as the creator of the successful company currently known as GP&J Baker.

Early life
Baker was born in North London in 1822 and was originally trained as a gardener, working in various gardens before moving to the exotic Nursery, Kings Road Chelsea.

Career
In 1847 Baker secured a position assisting the laying out of the garden at the British Embassy’s summer residence in Therapia on the Bosphorus and, on his outward journey, took a collection of fruit trees destined for the sultan, Abdul Medjid. Subsequently, he worked on the garden at the new embassy at Constantinople (being rebuilt after a disastrous fire), opened a plant nursery, and is credited with introducing wisteria to Turkey.

During the 1850’s (c.1854) he broadened his horizons, importing textiles from England with the aid of his brother James and in 1867 opened a second shop in partnership with a Mr. Hayden. This partnership was later dissolved but the business prospered, expanding to become the first department store in Turkey, stocking an immense variety of imported goods including: Baker’s Perfection - a lock stitch sewing machine, mangles, mackintoshes, and pianos, which divided into four for ease of shipping.

The business traded under the name of G&A Baker, the A standing for one of his sons, Arthur. Two other sons, George Percival and James, gave their names to the renowned firm of GP&J Baker By the early 20th century the family businesses had become pre-eminent in the fields of Oriental carpets and textiles, employing designers such as C.F.A Voysey and LP Butterfield and supplying firms such as Liberty & Co.

George Baker achieved considerable prominence in the British community living in Constantinople, and was a great supporter of the Turkish people. He built himself a house on the edge of the Bosphorus, where he lived with his wife and large family, spending summers on the island of Halki in the Sea of Marmora.

His standing in the Ottoman court was such that he was awarded several honors, including the Order of the Medjidie. His wife Maria was also honored, the Sultan personally presenting her with a 12 pointed diamond brooch.