The Grand Bazaar (Kapalıçarşı) in Istanbul is one of the largest covered markets in the world with 60 streets and 5,000 shops, and attracts between 250,000 and 400,000 visitors daily. It is well known for its jewellery, hand-painted ceramics, carpets, embroideries, spices and antique shops. Many of the stalls in the bazaar are grouped by type of goods, with special areas for leather, gold jewellery and the like.
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The bazaar has been an important trading centre 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. The bazaar was vastly enlarged in the 16th century, during the reign of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, and in 1894 underwent a major restoration following an earthquake.
The complex houses two mosques, four fountains, two hamams, and several cafés and restaurants. In the centre is the high domed hall of the Cevahir Bedesten, where the most valuable items and antiques were to be found in the past, and still are today, including furniture, copperware, amber prayer beads, inlaid weapons, icons, moth er-of-pearl mirrors, water pipes, watches and clocks, candlesticks, old coins, and silver and gold jewellery set with coral and turquoise. A leisurely afternoon spent exploring the bazaar, sitting in one of the cafés and watching the crowds pass by, and bargaining for purchases is one of the best ways to recapture the romantic atmosphere of old Istanbul.
Gates:
The Grand Bazaar has four main gates situated at the ends of its two major streets which intersect near the southwestern corner of the bazaar.
Opening Times:
Monday to Saturday 9:00 – 19:00. Closed Sundays and bank holidays.
Getting there:
Take a tram to Beyazit, Üniversite or Sirkeci.
The Grand Bazaar is around 15 minutes walk from the Aya Sofya/Blue Mosque area.
Top 10 Features of Grand Bazaar
1. İç Bedesten
This was the bazaar’s first building, a Byzantine structure converted in 1461 into a sturdy lockup in which jewellery was traded and slaves were auctioned. Today it is used to sell precious goods such as antiques and rare icons.
2. Jewellers’ Street (Kalpakçılar Başı Caddesi)
This was the bazaar’s first building, a Byzantine structure converted in 1461 into a sturdy lockup in which jewellery was traded and slaves were auctioned. Today it is used to sell precious goods such as antiques and rare icons.
2. Jewellers’ Street (Kalpakçılar Başı Caddesi)
The bazaar’s widest street runs along the southern edge of the market, its shop windows piled high with jewels and precious metals. Around 100,000 kg (220,460 lb) of gold is traded in the bazaar each year. Gold jewellery is sold by weight, with a little added for craftsmanship.
3. Carpet Sellers
The bazaar is home to some of Istanbul’s finest carpet dealers, as well as lesser traders prepared to sell you a hall runner or a bedside rug. Carpet shops are scattered throughout the market, with a concentration near the İç Bedesten.
4. Outdoor Stalls
Surrounding the covered market is a maze of tiny lanes, with stalls selling carpets, souvenirs, clothes and vegetables. Locals shop here.
5. Street Names
At one time, each part of the bazaar had its own specialism, as indicated by the street names. Look for the terlikçiler (slipper-makers),aynacılar(mirror-makers), fesçiler (fez-makers), yorgancılar (quilt-makers), kazazcılar (silk-thread-makers) and kürkçüler (fur-makers).
At one time, each part of the bazaar had its own specialism, as indicated by the street names. Look for the terlikçiler (slipper-makers),aynacılar(mirror-makers), fesçiler (fez-makers), yorgancılar (quilt-makers), kazazcılar (silk-thread-makers) and kürkçüler (fur-makers).
6. Fountains
Two marble and copper fountains provided drinking water for the market traders before modern plumbing was installed. According to an 1880 survey, there were also 16 drinking-water posts, 1 fountain reservoir, and8 wells for fire-fighters.
Two marble and copper fountains provided drinking water for the market traders before modern plumbing was installed. According to an 1880 survey, there were also 16 drinking-water posts, 1 fountain reservoir, and8 wells for fire-fighters.
7. Sandal Bedesten
In the southeast corner of the bazaar, the 15th-century Sandal Bedesten, its roof of 20 brick domes propped up by pillars, is the former antiques market. It now hosts a carpet auction every Wednesday at 1pm.
In the southeast corner of the bazaar, the 15th-century Sandal Bedesten, its roof of 20 brick domes propped up by pillars, is the former antiques market. It now hosts a carpet auction every Wednesday at 1pm.
8. Gates
Twenty-two gates lead into the covered bazaar from all directions. The Beyazıt Gate, rebuilt after an earthquake in 1894, is marked with the tughra(imperial sign) of Sultan Abdül Hamit II, and the happy assurance that “God loves tradesmen”.
Twenty-two gates lead into the covered bazaar from all directions. The Beyazıt Gate, rebuilt after an earthquake in 1894, is marked with the tughra(imperial sign) of Sultan Abdül Hamit II, and the happy assurance that “God loves tradesmen”.
9. Zincirli Han
The hans provided accommodation, food and stables for travelling traders. This one, the oldest of 40 in the area, has been lovingly restored and is now occupied by Şişko Osman Halıcılık, a leading carpet dealer.
The hans provided accommodation, food and stables for travelling traders. This one, the oldest of 40 in the area, has been lovingly restored and is now occupied by Şişko Osman Halıcılık, a leading carpet dealer.
10. Valide Han
Constructed in 1651, this building (the largest caravanserai in Istanbul) has been sadly neglected. Today it contains a mix of residential, gallery and workshop space.
Constructed in 1651, this building (the largest caravanserai in Istanbul) has been sadly neglected. Today it contains a mix of residential, gallery and workshop space.
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