The Grand Bazaar (Kapalı Çarşı) lies between the Bayezid and Nuruosmaniye mosques, and covers an enormous area. Once you enter one of its 21 gates and start exploring, it’s clear that this is one of the largest bazaars in the world. Under its seemingly endless roofs you can find glazed tiles, spices, pottery, brassware, leather accessories, belly-dancing costumes, pipes and ashtrays, among other curiosa and crafts.
The Grand Bazaar dates back to the mid 1400s, when Sultan Mehmet II ordered the construction of a special site dedicated to the trading of textiles. Today you can still see classic Ottoman architecture in the bazaar’s oldest building, the Cevavir. Originally every street represented a particular type of craft, which is still reflected in their names but no longer strictly the case.
Visit some of the more than 3,000 shops divided over 60 covered streets in this exotic retail paradise. The vast complex is a colorful maze that you’d happily get lost in. Allow yourself plenty of time to explore, because it is interesting... and extremely crowded.
Shop for a Persian rug or just witness carpet-weaving demonstrations. Serious haggling is expected, so don’t be shy to offer a much lower price if you suspect that an item is overpriced. Vendors can be very persuasive, so it takes a fair bit of determination to walk out empty-handed.
Even if you don’t have spare room in your suitcase, it’s worth coming here for the lively atmosphere of a typical Turkish marketplace. Admire the old mosque and fountain, or visit a café or restaurant in one of the hans (three-story buildings). Smell the spices and other exotic blends, take pictures of the attractive displays of Turkish slippers and taste sweet Turkish delights.
The Grand Bazaar is located in the Old City, in the Fatih district. It’s best to walk there or take the tram to the Beyazıt stop. The bazaar is open daily, except Sundays. As in any crowded space, pickpockets and bag-snatchers operate in the market.
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Reviews of Grand Bazaar
3/5 - Okay
The enclosed nature of the bazaar meant heading into a smoke filled crowded hallway. Smoking is prohibited inside but the shop owners and visitors do not seem to abide. A blackout also hit while we were there so the ventilation stopped and everything went dark in a large part of the Bazaar. Souq Waqif in Doha was much better in my opinion.
4/5 - Good
looks good, but the shops are all the same. Also haggle haggle haggle, we managed to get an 85% discount and we didn't even try.
5/5 - Excellent
Nice staff.
2/5 - Disappointing
The gold sellers will rip you off for sure! They are there for one reason only-to rip off tourists by asking prices that are 4-5 times higher than the actual price but tourists don't know that so the sellers shamelessly rip them off.
4/5 - Good
Grand and bazare are both good terms for this location. It is big and it is a shopping experience. Do not take any vendors first price. A little back and forth is expected and if you have the time, take the free tea and enjoy the back and forth. We saved over 50% off items we bought at a rug shop. have a vague idea of cost going in and stop by severa shops to compare prices. Don't be afraid to walk away. Ask a lot of questions. Don't get rattled by all the questions they ask. Where are you from, how long are you staying etc. The more info they know about you, the more ways they can spin it in their favor. One important note, We went in expecting things to be fake and made else where. Many times we were correct. Do a little homework about the things you want to buy before going in to shop.
4/5 - Good
Enjoy your time here - its a great place to pick up inexpensive souvenirs. Be wary of antiques and watches. We had people who knew both and there were many fakes.
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