Transportation to the Grand Bazaar is quite easy. We drop/pick you up at the door with Cab Istanbul's private transfer service. If you want a helper to carry your products while shopping, try renting a Chauffeured Car. If you live in this city, it is not difficult to reach the bazaar from any district, thanks to its doors opening too many points of Istanbul. If you are planning to reach the bazaar by tram, simply use the Kabataş tram line and get off at the Beyazıt stop.
Grand Bazaar Historical Adventure
The Grand Bazaar, built by Fatih Sultan Mehmet, is a place surrounded by shops covered with roofs and domes. The first covered bazaar built-in 1460 was named Cevahir and the income of this covered bazaar was left to Fatih Sultan Mehmet to be given to Hagia Sophia. The sultan later developed various shops and shopping stalls here, making this place the center of commercial life
Thanks to its aesthetic design, the Grand Bazaar almost resembles a giant-sized labyrinth. The historical shopping area, which has nearly 60 streets and more than 3600 shops, covers a total area of 30,700 square meters. It can be expressed as the attraction point of Istanbul in both tourism and commercial sense. The Cevahir Bedesten, which exhibits a complex structure with its colorful elements, draws attention at first glance. The covered bazaar, which looks like an architectural monument, is divided into 15 separate sections. Each section has the appearance of being covered with a dome in itself. Small cells are conspicuous on the inside of their walls. Sandal Bedesten, on the other hand, is in a design surrounded by 50 domes. This decorative-covered bazaar is one of the leading examples of Turkish architecture as dome designs. These two important covered bazaars are described as the inner castles of the bazaar. Two structures in history are mostly known for their thick inner iron crates. Traders in iron safes; Kept their savings such as capital, savings, and jewelry, and their registration and registration documents in the guilds.
Grand Bazaar Shopping
Spices, authentic products, souvenirs, gold, jewellery, hand-woven carpets, and rugs stand out in this historical bazaar. Do not forget to buy gifts for your loved ones on your trip to the Grand Bazaar. You can evaluate Istanbul-themed items, traditional jewelry, and weaving products.
In Galata and Ortaköy, there are souvenir shops similar to the Grand Bazaar, but for an ideal shopping opportunity, stop by the bazaar in Sultanahmet to spend a pleasant day with its thousands of stores catering to all tastes, from the cheapest prices to the most luxurious experiences.
It is also possible to bargain while shopping in the bazaar, where you can't get enough of visiting.
Grand Bazaar Sultanahmet
A wide variety of products reflecting the mystical atmosphere of Istanbul are sold in the Grand Bazaar, which is the largest bazaar that has stood for centuries in the world. Each street of the Grand Bazaar is devoted to a product variety. With gift options such as jewelry, rugs with traditional Turkish motifs, fez, antiques, Anatolian embroidered fabrics, gift cups, backgammon, and chess sets, you can buy stylishly designed gifts from this authentic place for your loved ones.
It has historical importance as the bazaar, which is considered the first indoor shopping center in the world. It is the shopping and sightseeing area most visited by local and foreign tourists with its size, architecture, and location. It has been the most important trade center of Istanbul for over 500 years.
The place that I can call the middle of the Grand Bazaar is known as "Cevahir Bedesten" (Inner Bedesten). If you are interested in antiques or old jewelry, this covered bazaar is one of the must-see places in the bazaar. In addition, the places that attract the most attention in the bazaar are the main street, thanks to the shops where the jewelers are located.
The first establishment of the Grand Bazaar was to provide income for Hagia Sophia, and you will feel lost at any moment while visiting the bazaar, so you should spend at least 2-3 hours for this bazaar.
There are 64 streets, 16 inns, and 22 gates in the Grand Bazaar.
Street names provide us with an idea about the inhabitants of the bazaar and the products sold in the past. Streets named as İpekçiler, Kürkçüler, Aynacılar and Yorgancılar attract shopping enthusiasts.
Where To Eat in the Grand Bazaar?
The Grand Bazaar restaurants are quite diverse. It is possible to find a nice cafe and restaurant for every taste. The most famous restaurant is Nusr-et. The prices of the Grand Bazaar restaurants are quite reasonable. (Except for Nusret). Cam Oba restaurant is a well-known restaurant, it is understood that it is always crowded.
If you want to have a cup of coffee in the Grand Bazaar, the Pool Restaurant is a good option. In the restaurant, you can only drink coffee.
Grand Bazaar Souvenir Shopping
Once upon a time, those living in Istanbul used to buy all their household needs from the Grand Bazaar. A girl's dowry used to be made here-Unfortunately, quilters, mirror makers, and curtain makers are now factory and their places are filled with souvenir sellers.
Today, the Grand Bazaar attracts attention as usual and is just as colorful. Unusual, handmade products, souvenirs, colored glass, and ceramic products, needlepoint & lace, amulet, imitation watches and bags, antique objects, religious-themed products, and much more are sold. Fabrics and silks such as shawls, scarves, and pashminas from India and Nepal attract the attention of women. A rich collection awaits you, including Turkish-made silver artifacts, copper, bronze souvenirs and decorative items, onyx and leather furs, Iranian and Uzbek carpets, and kilims.
The Grand Bazaar Has 22 Doors
There are 22 gates in the Grand Bazaar. Depends where you are You are to enter the bazaar. Beyazit gate, Çarşıkapı gate, Çuhacıhan gate, Kuyumcular gate, Mahmutpaşa gate, Nuruosmaniye gate, Örücüler gate, Sepetçihan gate, Takkeciler gate, Tavukpazarı gate and Zenneciler gate. However, the two most used gates are the Beyazıt gate and the Nuruosmaniye gate. Because the main street of the bazaar, Kalpakçılar Street, lies between these two gates.
