GRAND BAZAAR

Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, Turkey is the oldest and largest covered markets in the world. Some go as far as to say that Grand Bazaar is one of the first malls in the world. The Grand Bazaar is a microcosm of colors, traditions and commerce. Built in the 15th century, the Grand Bazaar is spread over 30,700 square metres and has over 60 streets and 4000 shops. It was listed as the most visited tourist attraction in 2014, bring in a whopping 91 million annual visitors.

The Grand Bazaar is a great experience for the shopaholics but also the ones curious in customs and traditions. The Grand Bazaar is well equipped with hammams, cafes and restaurants. It also has a mosque, a police station and a tourist help centre.

Grand Bazaar Map

There are 64 streets and 22 entrances to the Grand Bazaar. It is virtually impossible to cover everything in one visit. You will have to do your homework and plan your visit.

The one thing you will notice is that similar shops are usually in one place. So, you will have to decide the things you want to buy to help you make the best of your time. For example, for jewellery shops, you should enter through the Beyazıt Gate. Nuruosmaniye Gate is where you should enter through if you want to buy carpets at Zincirli Han.

The Turkish street names often describe the kind of shops that used to be there. Takke means skullcap in Turkish, Takkeciler Caddesi is the skullcap shop street. Aynacılar Sokak is where one would go to buy aynas or mirrors.

In all of the rush to get your shopping time, keep some time to get lost and just marvel at the beauty of this old and colourful market.

What to Shop for in the Grand Bazaar

Carpets and Rugs

Turkish carpets are known for their vibrant colours and patterns. Most of the carpet shops here and generations old as is the carpet industry here which is at least 500 years old.

The carpets are usually made of silk thread. Different regions of Turkey produce their own unique form of patterns on the rugs and carpets. Some of the famous types of design are the Holbein design which was designed in the time of the Ottomans and the Kilim rugs which comes from Turkey’s rural areas.

Foods and Spices

Foods, spices, and scents should be one of the top things on your shopping list at the Grand Bazaar. Some of the spices you can shop for at the Grand Bazaar are the Middle Eastern Saffron, meatball spices and curry powders. You can also shop for coffee and tea here.

Other interesting food items you get here are the lokum which is a local sweet. The Turkish version of baklava is also worth trying. You also get an anise-based liqueur here called which is worth a shot!

Antiques

With Turkey being such an important historical location and at the border of two great cultures, it is a great place to shop for antiques. You will find interesting antiques from the Far East and the West. You can spend hours shopping for antiques in the Grand Bazaar. It is a great place to buy metal pieces from the Ottoman Empire.

Leather

Leather is one of the top things to buy at the Grand Bazaar. Though, you should understand the product and understand the quality you are purchasing. You will be able to purchase leather of all qualities here.

Pottery

Intricately painted mosaics and ceramics are a hallmark of Turkey. You will find these even in well-known landmarks of Turkey like the Hagia Sophia or the Blue Mosque.

Iznik, a town in northwest Turkey, is the most famous for these ceramics. The tiles from Iznik are used in mosques and palaces with their iconic cobalt blue patterns.

Jewellery

Turkish jewellery is another unique item that you should shop for in the Grand Bazaar. The tradition of the Turkish jeweller dates back to the Ottoman empire. They have a unique style of stone inlaying and patterns. You will be able to buy gold and silver jewellery here. There are many jewellery shops in the Grand Bazaar. Even if you have no intention to shop, you should enter the shop to admire the glitter and colours in these places.

Make sure you have a receipt with the number of carats in case you buy gold.

Turkish Textiles

You will be able to shop for high-quality cotton and silk items at the Grand Bazaar. You can also shop for wool and brocade here. Turkish textiles are known for the hand paintings, gold paintings and embroideries.

You can also luxurious bath products here. You will be able to get high-quality cotton bath and hand towels.

Turkish Lamps

Turkish Lamps are the most eye-catching item in the Grand Bazaar. The lamps here come in various shapes and forms. You will get lamps in the form of vases, drops and chandeliers. They come in various colourful designs.