Grand Bazaar Istanbul

Located in Istanbul, Turkey's largest city, the Grand Bazaar's history dates back to the mid-15th century, to the reign of Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror. According to the waqf system, one of the most important practices in sustaining Ottoman institutions, income-generating structures were created to cover the various needs of mosques, such as repair and maintenance costs.

The most important of these income-generating structures were bazaars, and the foundation of the Grand Bazaar was laid in 1461 with the construction of buildings by Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror to provide income for Hagia Sophia. It grew steadily over the years with additions. Becoming the most important commercial center of the entire region, home to Istanbul's wealthiest merchants, and a hub for the trade of jewels and precious metals from all over the world, the Grand Bazaar also served as a banking and financial center during these years.

Furthermore, its appearance in numerous travel books and paintings, as one of the best representations of Istanbul and Eastern life in the eyes of Europeans, proves its historical and cultural significance. Described as one of the oldest and largest shopping centers in the world, the Grand Bazaar is built on an area of ​​45,000 square meters and houses 3,600 shops. Even more extensive than this number, it was the heart of the economy during the Ottoman era. Today, the Grand Bazaar is a popular destination for those visiting Istanbul who want to shop.

Here you can find everything from carpets and bags to textiles, gold and silver jewelry, antiques, tiles, and souvenirs. Even if you spent an entire day just wandering around, it would be impossible to explore every corner of the Grand Bazaar. Like the rest of Istanbul, it blends the old and the new, the traditional and the modern. Therefore, some of the products sold here can be considered a legacy of the Ottoman era, while others are products of the modern world. There are also many other places to shop in the immediate vicinity of the Grand Bazaar. The street stretching between the Bazaar and the Nur-u Osmaniye Mosque is lined with shops selling authentic goods, primarily carpets.

Behind the Sultan Ahmet Mosque, in the Arasta Bazaar, you can find handmade souvenirs. Sultanahmet and its surroundings are another place where you can find a wide variety of products besides handcrafted souvenirs. For those interested in old books, we recommend visiting the Sahaflar Bazaar, located between the Beyazıt Mosque and the Grand Bazaar.

• Hagia Sophia
• Grand Bazaar Istanbul
• Galata Tower