Are you looking for a unique and unforgettable shopping experience in Istanbul? If so, you can’t miss the Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world. In this guide, you will learn everything you need to know about the Grand Bazaar, from its history and culture to its products and services. You will also discover some tips and tricks on how to make the most of your visit, as well as some other attractions nearby. Whether you are a shopaholic, a history buff, or a culture lover, the Grand Bazaar has something for everyone.
History of the Grand Bazaar
The Grand Bazaar, or Kapalıçarşı in Turkish, meaning “covered market”, dates back to the 15th century, when the Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II conquered Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire. He ordered the construction of a large market near his palace, where traders and artisans could sell their goods and services.
Over the centuries, the Grand Bazaar expanded and evolved, adding more streets, sections, and buildings, as well as surviving fires, earthquakes, wars, and revolutions. Today, the Grand Bazaar covers an area of 30.7 hectares, with 61 streets, 4,000 shops, 18 gates, and 22 entrances. It is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Istanbul, attracting between 250,000 and 400,000 visitors every day.
The Grand Bazaar is not only a place of commerce, but also a place of history and culture. It reflects the rich and diverse heritage of Istanbul, which has been influenced by various civilizations, religions, and cultures over time. The Grand Bazaar is home to many historical and architectural monuments, such as mosques, fountains, tombs, and schools. It also showcases the artistic and creative talents of the Turkish people, who have mastered various crafts, such as carpet weaving, jewelry making, pottery, leatherwork, and metalwork. The Grand Bazaar is a living museum, where you can witness the past and present of Istanbul in one place.
What to See and Do in the Grand Bazaar
The Grand Bazaar is a paradise for shoppers, who can find almost anything they can imagine, from souvenirs and antiques to clothes and electronics. The Grand Bazaar is divided into different sections, each specializing in a certain type of product or service. Some of the most famous and popular sections are:
The Carpet Section: Here you can find a wide range of carpets, rugs, kilims, and textiles, made from various materials, such as wool, silk, cotton, and leather. You can also admire the intricate designs and patterns, which reflect the different regions and cultures of Turkey. The carpet section is located near the Nuruosmaniye Gate, on the west side of the Grand Bazaar.
The Jewelry Section: Here you can find a dazzling array of jewelry, made from gold, silver, bronze, copper, and other metals, as well as precious and semi-precious stones, such as diamonds, rubies, emeralds, sapphires, and turquoise. You can also find some unique and traditional pieces, such as the evil eye, the nazar boncuk, which is believed to ward off bad luck, or the Ottoman-style rings, bracelets, and necklaces. The jewelry section is located near the Beyazıt Gate, on the east side of the Grand Bazaar.
The Spice Section: Here you can find a colorful and aromatic assortment of spices, herbs, teas, nuts, dried fruits, and sweets, which will tantalize your senses and taste buds. You can also find some exotic and rare items, such as saffron, vanilla, or mastic gum. The spice section is located outside the Grand Bazaar, in the nearby Egyptian Bazaar, or Mısır Çarşısı, which is also worth a visit.
How to Visit the Grand Bazaar
The Grand Bazaar is located in the historic district of Fatih, in the heart of Istanbul. It is easily accessible by public transport, such as tram, metro, bus, or ferry. The nearest tram station is Beyazıt-Kapalıçarşı, which is right next to the Beyazıt Gate.
The nearest metro station is Vezneciler, which is a 10-minute walk from the Nuruosmaniye Gate. The nearest bus station is Eminönü, which is a 15-minute walk from the Egyptian Bazaar. The nearest ferry station is Eminönü, which connects to the Asian side of Istanbul and the Princes’ Islands.
The Grand Bazaar is open every day, except Sundays and public holidays, from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm.
The entry is free, but you may have to pay a small fee to enter some of the mosques or monuments inside.
The best time to visit the Grand Bazaar is in the morning or in the evening, when it is less crowded and more relaxed. You can also visit the Grand Bazaar on a Friday, when it is closed for prayer between 11:00 am and 2:00 pm, and enjoy the atmosphere and the architecture without the noise and the hustle.
Other places to visit nearby
The Grand Bazaar is not the only attraction in the area, as there are many other places to visit nearby, such as:
The Blue Mosque: This is one of the most iconic and beautiful mosques in Istanbul, known for its six minarets and its blue tiles. It was built in the 17th century by Sultan Ahmet I, and it is still an active place of worship. It is located across from the Hagia Sophia, and it is free to enter, except during prayer times.
The Hagia Sophia: This is one of the most impressive and historic buildings in Istanbul, which has served as a church, a mosque, and a museum. It was built in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian, and it is famous for its dome, its mosaics, and its architecture. It is located across from the Blue Mosque, and it has an entrance fee of 100 Turkish Lira (about 12 USD).
The Topkapı Palace: This is the former residence and seat of power of the Ottoman sultans, who ruled over a vast empire for over 600 years. It is a complex of buildings, courtyards, gardens, and museums, where you can see the royal treasury, the harem, the holy relics, and the weapons. It is located behind the Hagia Sophia, and it has an entrance fee of 100 Turkish Lira (about 12 USD).
The Grand Bazaar is one of the most amazing and fascinating places to visit in Istanbul, where you can experience the history, culture, and shopping of the city. It is a place where you can find anything you want, from souvenirs and antiques to clothes and electronics. It is also a place where you can have fun, learn, and interact with the locals and other visitors. The Grand Bazaar is a must-see attraction for anyone who wants to discover the true essence of Istanbul.
