Turkish shopkeepers stand in their Aladdin’s cave of mystery in one of the oldest covered markets in the world, which is so popular in Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar hosts over 3,000 stores and more than 250,000 people visit every day, and has 91 million visitors every year.
These days, in spite of the increase in new modern shopping malls, the beauty and tradition of the Grand Bazaar continue to be a big enticement. This market is extremely famous among travelers, and in 2014 it was listed as the world’s most visited tourist attraction, beating the 91.25m visitors who traipsed the colorful stores the previous year.
Therefore, the 15th-century Bazaar (Market) is famous for its hand-painted ceramics, lanterns, intricately patterned carpets, and Byzantine-style jewelry and heaves with Turkish things, kilims, jewelry, backgammon boards, trinkets, leather goods, and mother of pearl inlaid boxes.
Thus, there’s a labyrinth of arcades and passageways, where it is easy to lose your sense of direction. It is easily described as ‘one of the world’s most exciting shopping experiences. Moreover, several of the stalls in the market are grouped by type of goods, with special areas for leather, gold jewelry, and the like.
This market “bazaar” has been a significant trading center since 1461, and its labyrinthine vaults feature two bedestens “domed buildings”, the first of which was constructed between 1455 and 1461 by the order of Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror.
Moreover, the beautiful complex houses two mosques, four fountains, two hamams, and several cafés and restaurants. Furthermore, in the center, it is a high domed hall of the “Cevahir Bedesten”, where the most valued items and antiques were to be found in the past, and still are nowadays, with furniture, copperware, amber prayer beads, inlaid weapons, icons, mother-of-pearl mirrors, water pipes, watches and clocks, candlesticks, old coins, and silver and gold jewelry set with coral and turquoise.
The Bazaar is open Monday to Saturday from 9 am until 7 pm and is closed Sundays and Bank Holidays. If you’re a shopping lover, then it is must place to visit for you. Though, be careful, because prices are a bit high for foreigners. But you can bargain the price with your skills.
Aladdin's Cave Grand Bazaar in Istanbul - You'd have to watch your step while browsing Huseyin Erdogan's shop of ceramics and plates
Aladdin’s Cave Grand Bazaar in Istanbul – You’d have to watch your step while browsing Huseyin Erdogan’s shop of ceramics and plates
You could spend hours in Hasan Ayazgok's shop in the Grand Bazaar checking out all the traditional Turkish fare
You could spend hours in Hasan Ayazgok’s shop in the Grand Bazaar checking out all the traditional Turkish fare
Yasin Kizilkaya shop sells traditional rugs and fabrics - and is one of many places where visitors can brush up their haggling skills
Yasin Kizilkaya shop sells traditional rugs and fabrics – and is one of many places where visitors can brush up their haggling skills
Timur Yildirim sells a classic collection of goods inside his stop on the Istanbul Grand Bazaar
Timur Yildirim sells a classic collection of goods inside his stop on the Istanbul Grand Bazaar
The smartly-dressed Ahmet Tan sells traditional pipes and musical instruments at his packed-out store at the market
The smartly-dressed Ahmet Tan sells traditional pipes and musical instruments at his packed-out store at the market
Kenan Kalmaz's stop-off is a good one if you want to buy something to keep yourself warm
Kenan Kalmaz’s stop-off is a good one if you want to buy something to keep yourself warm
Mehmet Onlu sells silver jewellery inside the Istanbul Grand Bazaar and provides a service with a smile
Mehmet Onlu sells silver jewellery inside the Istanbul Grand Bazaar and provides a service with a smile
Murat Demirci sells a varied collection of traditional Turkish fare at his stall on the popular Istanbul market
Murat Demirci sells a varied collection of traditional Turkish fare at his stall in the popular Istanbul market
Murat Hashas will be hoping for lots of custom at his store selling handmade cottons and headscarves
Murat Hashas will be hoping for lots of customs at his store selling handmade cotton and headscarves
Taner Erguder's shop of Sufi and traditional paintings will catch the eye of those with an artistic bent
Taner Erguder’s shop of Sufi and traditional paintings will catch the eye of those with an artistic bent
Dogan Mert's shop sells artistic lamps and lanterns with traditional Turkish design
Dogan Mert’s shop sells artistic lamps and lanterns with traditional Turkish design
Ekrem Turkmen poses in his store, which sells Ottoman Traditional clothing. Up to 250,000 people will pass by here every day
Ekrem Turkmen poses in his store, which sells Ottoman Traditional clothing. Up to 250,000 people will pass by here every day
Hasan Ramo poses for a photograph at his store, selling traditional sweets and Turkish delights
Hasan Ramo poses for a photograph at his store, selling traditional sweets and Turkish delights
If it's cashmere, silk and pashminas you are after Burak Erdogan's store is a vital stop-off
If it’s cashmere, silk and pashminas you are after Burak Erdogan’s store is a vital stop-off
Ismail Genis poses for a photograph inside his store, which sells traditional ceramics and handmade tiles
Ismail Genis poses for a photograph inside his store, which sells traditional ceramics and handmade tiles
Adem Sad'c poses for a photograph at his store selling traditional rugs and fabrics
Adem Sad’c poses for a photograph at his store selling traditional rugs and fabrics
Source: Dailymail

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here