The Grand Market in Istanbul is one of the must-see spots, one of the world's most popular shopping locations, and the largest enclosed market, measuring 30,700 square meters. Once inside, the bazaar's 64 streets and smaller alleyways host over 4,000 stores, as well as the police station, post office, banks, mosque, and cafes, transforming it into a mini-city. You shouldn’t miss adding this bazaar to your Turkey holiday packages and exploring new sights with your loved ones.
In Grand Bazaar, you can see several fading vocations kept alive by their unique culture. It is the world's oldest and largest bazaar, exhibiting the most diverse merchandise. The bazaar has around 3000 small and large shops with good products and is visited by an infinite number of people. During the Ottoman Empire, jewelry and amazing hand-woven textiles from all over the nation were gathered in the Grand Bazaar to be sold, and it is a shopping heaven for those who love to purchase traditional textiles and authentic jewelry.
According to Oktay Ekinci, former President of the Chamber of Architects, "Visiting Grand Bazaar is not just seeing a historical and mysterious place; it is the attractiveness created by the market tradition deriving from the past and the human warmth intermingled with that, and even the feeling of trust." The Grand Bazaar is open every day except Sundays and official holidays, from 8:30 to 19:00. You can get here by tram or metro, which are the best options available. Choosing the best Turkey holiday packages from UAE from the most reliable holiday tour travel agency will be very helpful to you. If you get complete support throughout the trip as part of your selected package, it will be a nice experience.
The Grand Bazaar is the largest and oldest market in the world, located in Istanbul, Turkey. In order to perfectly explore Istanbul, you must immerse yourself in the city and become one with it. The Grand Bazaar is a universe unto itself within Istanbul. It is definitely a vibrant, bustling, appealing, and crucial part of Istanbul. This bazaar attracts so many people from all over the world, and it holds a rich history, antique dealers, jewelers, bag makers, leather shops, and carpet sellers - in short, everything imaginable. So, you must add this spot to your Turkey tour packages.
This world's oldest and largest historical bazaar was erected on Sultan Fatih's order to make revenue for the Hagia Sophia. This old market is situated between the Beyazt and Nuruosmaniye Mosques, as well as Sandal and Cevahir Bedestens. You can also visit Bedesten, a bazaar where costly products such as clothing and jewelry are bought and sold. Since then, it has served as a stunning shopping area.
A destination with shops and streets
The Grand Bazaar grew in tandem with the Ottoman Empire's expansion into the capital. The market, which began with two Bedestens, today covers over 47 thousand square meters. Despite eleven fires and two earthquakes, the Grand Bazaar's architecture continues to captivate visitors. It is made up of 61 streets, the names of which refer to several enterprises such as Aynaclar, Kalpakçlar, and Fesçiler. Sandal Bedesteni, which covers an area of 1300 square meters, and Zara Bedesten, which covers an area of roughly 1500 square meters, serve as the bazaar's half-island sections. The inns that cover the bazaar are also part of the bazaar.
Do you know that the Grand Bazaar now has approximately 4000 shops? Many people who have visited the market in the past have mentioned it as a calm area. But the vibe today that the bazaar carries is totally different! While roaming around the bazaar, you can see the sellers inviting customers in a variety of languages. Do you know the power of bargaining? Explore the best shopping with it and enjoy more! This practice is enjoyable for both sellers and purchasers. Enjoy the customized Turkey holiday packages from Bahrain, Dubai, Qatar, or wherever you are.
The world's largest jewelry bazaar
The Grand Bazaar is the world's largest and most stunning market, with so many sights to enjoy. You must spend at least three days on your adventure to accomplish it completely. This may appear to be an exaggeration, but once you walk through the abundance of shops, you'll understand the reason.
If you want to roam around the market strategically, start at either the Kürkçüler or Nuruosmaniye gates. The best gold and beautiful designs can be seen in the jewelry shops along Kalpakçlarbaş Street, which leads to Nuruosmaniye Gate. Fuat Krgz and Kafkas are the most popular jewelers on this street. As you walk to the end of the street, you come across shops selling used clocks. Again, on this street, leather connoisseurs appreciate the renowned Punto.
If you enter the bazaar from the Nuruosmaniye sector, take the second right and proceed all the way to the end of the street. The entrance to Zincirli Inn will be on your right, about 20 meters ahead. This caravanserai is the most wonderful and unique in the Grand Bazaar. This is a carpet collector's delight because Işko Osman's shops with a legendary collection are situated here. Işko Osman possesses the world's largest carpet collection. This collection is said to be comparable to Damat Ibrahim Pasha Palace. Why should you miss these wonderful spots and amazing views on your Turkey tour packages from Bahrain, Qatar, Abu Dhabi, or wherever you are?
Famous Designers' Favorite
You can find many fabric shops on Yalkçlar Street. You may believe that clothing is a simple commodity that can be bought anywhere, yet notable designers such as Rfat Zbek, Donna Karan, Jean Paul Gaultier, and Galliano gain inspiration by visiting these shops. Many hand-made garments are available for you.
You can visit Muhlis Günbatt's shop on Perdahçlar Street if you're searching for Ottoman kaftans and hand-painted fabric. This store sells several products, including rugs and kaftans. On the same street, Sivasl Istanbul Yazmac is one of the bazaar's oldest stores, which you can add to your Turkey holiday packages if you are interested. This little business, which sells Anatolian hand-made fabrics, is popular among both local and international designers. Textiles, hand-painted cloths, and loincloths from several regions of Turkey are available here. Do you know? The 145-year-old business Ein Tekstil is situated at the entrance to the Rücüler gate. This shop sells flax bedding, silk textiles, hand-painted cloths, and traditional hand-made textiles.
A special spot for antique lovers
Antique enthusiasts must visit the bazaar's Old Bedesten sector. There are other shops selling antique clocks, carpets, and jewelry. The most popular stores in this region are Ziva Antik and Alabi. Mavi Köşe is the spot to visit if you wish to buy 22-carat gold earrings from Diyarbakr or Mardin; each pair is unique. Natural stone accessories of many types are available. You can also have your own designs created if you want at the bazaar. Erdün Collection sells ornamental products such as oil lamps and lanterns in this spot.
A combination of modern and traditional things
Although the Grand Bazaar seems to be more authentic, there are some shops where modernity and tradition coexist. Hand-painted linens, bathroom accessories, jackets, traditional hand-made textiles, shirts, and pillowcases from Anatolian villages can be found, particularly in Derviş at #19 on Keseciler Street. This is one of the finest shops for the best souvenirs. You can also find stores selling loincloths, towels, carpets, soaps, mattresses, and other bathroom items. Deli Kz, which sells Turkish-themed gifts and clothing, has a branch for children.
What can you eat here?
You've been roaming with your loved ones, getting tired and hungry, and now you wish to rest while sipping something. Aside from retailers and shops, the bazaar also has typical cafes and eateries. The most popular is Havuzlu Restaurant, which is famed for its generosity. The historical ark Kahvesi on Yalkçlar Street provides an alternative, where you can recharge your batteries with its famed coffee. Popular eateries in the bazaar include Life Cafe, Fes Cafe, and Sultan Cafe. You can find so many cafes and big spots to eat together. Customize your Turkey tour packages from Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, or wherever you are.
