Egyptian Bazaar (Misir Carsisi)

EGYPTIAN BAZAAR

 Egyptian Bazaar which was constructed by Valide Turhan Sultan in 1660 is one of the largest bazaars. It is located in Eminönü. Its architecture is Kazım Ağa and Egyptian Bazaar was one of the biggest grain and species center. It is said that there was also a bazaar in the same location in Byzantium period and that was again one of the biggest bazaars of Istanbul during that period.

This Bazaar, famous for its all sorts of medicines, was reconstructed by Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality between the years 1940 and 1943 and took its present shape. In total, it has 6 entrances and 2 floors in some areas. These 2 floors were added later. During the Ottoman period these floors were used as a court hall. According to this, the problems between public and tradesmen were being solved in this court by the Muslim judge of the bazaar.

Egyptian Bazaar is named after the country “Egypt” because species, grains and dried fruits brought from Egypt were being sold to the Istanbulites in this bazaar. Moreover, Egyptian Bazaar was built by the taxes collected from Cairo, the capital of Egypt.

The intersection of the short and long branches of the bazaar is called “Prayer Field” and it is the most notable part of the bazaar. In here, an “Adhan Kiosk” is found and when the bazaar is opened, an officer who is in charge of the prayer comes to wish tradesmen high incomes.

Egyptian Bazaar which has preserved its historical structure until today is one of the most frequently visited places by tourists. The bazaar has also jewelry and gift shops as well as stores selling herbs and spices.

Although the bazaar suffered heavy losses during the two large fires in 1961 and 1940, it still stands in its perfect shape.

HOW CAN YOU GO TO EGYPTİAN BAZAAR?

Just like Covered Bazaar you can go to Egyptian Bazaar by using all buses going to Eminönü. At the same time, after you get off the streetcar in Eminönü you can get there by making a short walk.

You can also go there with your own car. After parking in Eminönü center you can reach Egyptian Bazaar by walking. You can have difficulty in parking. Therefore, it is better to choose public transportation.