The vast expanse of the Ottoman Empire across three continents and its control of communications between Asia and Europe made the Grand Bazaar a major economic hub for Mediterranean trade.
Built around 1461 by Fatih Sultan Mehmet to help build the economy and support the nearby Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque (another must-see in the city), the Grand Bazaar is one of the world's oldest and largest covered markets.
In the Ottoman Empire, the bazaars were considered among the mast important places in a city. Here the appearance of people from various levels reflected the pluralistic side of the Ottoman society.
The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, with 61 covered streets and over 4,000 shops which attract between 250,000 and 400,000 visitors daily. Hours needed: Allow at least three hours for your visit; some travellers spend three days here!
The Grand Bazaar's numerous kiosks sell everything from kilim rugs, Turkish teas, Turkish delights and spices, to colorful crafts in all shapes and sizes. Let this list of Istanbul souvenir shopping ideas help you on your bargain hunting adventures at one of the world's largest and oldest covered markets.
The History and Shops at The Grand Bazaar, Istanbul
What is the history of the Grand Bazaar?
The origin of the Grand Bazaar dates back to the time of Sultan Mehmet II in the 15th century. The ruler started the construction of covered bazaars, known as “bedesten”, which were dedicated to the sale of fabrics and silks.
The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul is one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world, with 61 streets and over 4,000 shops. Navigating through its labyrinthine alleys can be an exhilarating experience, and there are numerous unique treasures and experiences to discover.
Istanbul has always been known for its silk and leather products. There is also a traditional felt-making tradition, which today produces many highly contemporary fashion items, particularly slippers and hats.
Built by Fatih Sultan Mehmet, one of the sultans of the Ottoman Empire, the Grand Bazaar is a shopping market covered with domes. Two bedestens form the backbone of this historical area, which was also known as "Çarsu-yı Kebir" in the past.
Trade, agriculture, transportation, and religion make up the Ottoman Empire's economy. The Ottomans saw military expansion of currency, more emphasis on manufacturing and industry in the wealth-power-wealth equation, and moving towards capitalist economics comprising expanding industries and markets.
The empire's success lay in its centralized structure as much as its territory: Control of some of the world's most lucrative trade routes led to vast wealth, while its impeccably organized military system led to military might.
This bazaar was first built by Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror and was expanded during the reign of Sultan Süleyman the Great (! 520-1566), and reached its present form in 1701.
Why is the Grand Bazaar a reflection of Turkish culture?
The Grand Bazaar is still an important symbol of national identity, an international competition area, and the place where the country's economy is kept. As you can understand, the Grand Bazaar is an expression of power in every way.
A bazaar is a marketplace or assemblage of shops where a wide variety of goods and services are displayed for trade. "Bazaar" is derived from the Persian word for "market," and many believe that the bazaar is one of the most important landmarks of Persian civilization.
In conclusion, the cost of a trip to Turkey can vary greatly based on the time of year, the length of your trip, and the type of experience you want to have. On average, a budget-friendly trip to Turkey can cost $50 to $100 per day, while a more luxurious trip can cost upwards of $200 per day.
TL 100 can only get you 1 bottle of milk, a bag of chips, and medium-size bags of Nescafe and Coffee-Mate if you like this waker-upper combo like many do. If you earn your money in Dollars, you're one of the lucky few. Average salaries in Turkey for mid-level jobs are at 7k to 8k per month. That's around $500.
The price of gold is the same all over the world but gold jewellery here tends to be cheaper than many places due to lower labour costs. In the U.K most jewellery is 9ct with just some in 14ct. but here most everyday pieces are 14 or 18 ct with special pieces in 22 and 24 ct.
It is truly a must see. It's quite accessible using their tram system using the T1 tram. The Grand Bazaar is huge, first and foremost. You could spend hours here if you really wanted to.
The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, with over 4,000 shops. Inside the bazaar, you can find a variety of items, such as carpets, jewelry, spices, leather goods, pottery, antiques, and more.
Turkey is a breathtaking place for people who wish to see stunning architecture and empires. The mesmerising beauty, mouth-watering delicacies, and vibrant and rich culture here attract people from all around the globe. Turkey is a must-visit place, but it is a large country with so many things to offer.
Handmade carpets, beautiful ceramics, soft leather… these are only some of the crafts on offer. Then there is the food, from delicious baklava, to organic honeys. Beyond these well-known gifts for yourself or others, there is a deep reserve of well-crafted designer goods.
Start low. After browsing the shops, you should know that prices might still be inflated by up to 50%. So when you start haggling, make sure you offer half or even one third of the price. Even if you don't expect to agree on that price and you're willing to pay more, you need to leave a lot of room for negotiation.
Istanbul has a timeless charm that owes much to its rich history. The city was historically referred to as Byzantium and Constantinople. It served as a focal point of several ancient empires. Numerous architectural wonders, remnants of these empires, still stand tall in the heart of the city.
