No trip to Turkey is complete without getting lost in a maze of colorful stalls, hearing vendors call out their prices, and breathing in the blend of spices, fresh fruit, leather, and perfume that fills the air.
Whether it’s the historic Grand Bazaar in Istanbul or a simple Tuesday market in a small town, Turkish bazaars are not just for shopping. They’re about life, tradition, and community.
Grand Bazaar
The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, also known as Kapali Carsi, is a large covered market in this Turkish city. The Kapali Carsi has between 3,000 and 4,000 shops, 61 covered streets, and attracts about thousands of visitors daily. This results in a mountain of beautiful goods and a chaotic crowd. The market also has a long history. Construction of this ancient, gigantic covered market began as early as 1455/1456, and the market has continued to expand over time. The Grand Bazaar is a fantastic place to shop, and you’ll encounter both locals and tourists there. Moreover, Istanbul lies on the border between the continents of Asia and Europe, which means you’ll find all kinds of different products in the Grand Bazaar.