Istanbul's bazaars are at the heart of the city's historical and commercial spirit. The Grand Bazaar is one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world — over 4000 shops, 61 streets, 250,000 visitors a year. The Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazaar) is the classic destination for spices, nuts and traditional flavours.
🏛️ Grand Bazaar (Kapalı Çarşı)
Built between 1455-1461 by Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror. Expanded around the bedesten (original covered market). Today — 4000+ shops, 61 streets, 22 gates. Zones: jewellers, carpet dealers, leather goods, antiques, ceramics.
🌶️ Spice Bazaar (Mısır Çarşısı)
Built in 1660 as part of the New Mosque. Originally goods from Egypt were sold here — hence "Egyptian" Bazaar. Today: spices (saffron, sumac, thyme), nuts (pistachio, walnut), Turkish delight, cheeses, fish.
🏪 Other bazaars
- Sahaflar Çarşısı — old book bazaar, near Beyazıt, since Byzantine times.
- Arasta Bazaar — in Sultanahmet, small and quieter.
- Kadıköy Tuesday Market — for locals, authentic.
💡 Bargaining tips
- Bargaining is mandatory — starting price is usually inflated 2-3 times.
- Stay calm, smile. Turkish merchants offer tea — accept it.
- Offer 40-50% of the first price, settle at 60-70%.
- Cash gives a discount over card.
- Never come with a tourist tour guide — commission added.
🛍️ What to buy
- Carpet/kilim — Hereke, Anatolian, Kayseri. Ask for certificate.
- Turkish delight — Hacı Bekir (1777), original Ali Muhiddin Hacı Bekir.
- Spices — thyme, sumac, red pepper flakes, saffron (check if genuine).
- Trousseau jewellery — silver, evil eye bead.
- Ceramics — Iznik (original expensive), Kütahya (more affordable).
🚇 Transport
Grand Bazaar: T1 tram stop Beyazıt-Kapalıçarşı. Spice Bazaar: T1 Eminönü. Monday-Saturday 09:00-19:00, Sunday closed.