If you are looking for a sensory adventure in Istanbul, look no further than Misir Carsisi, or the Spice Bazaar. This is one of the largest and oldest markets in the city, where you can find a dazzling array of spices, herbs, sweets, and souvenirs. Whether you are a foodie, a shopper, or a history buff, you will find something to delight you in this colorful and aromatic bazaar.
In this guide, you will learn everything you need to know about Misir Carsisi, from its history and culture to its products and food, as well as the best tips and tricks for visiting and shopping there. You will also discover the nearby attractions and activities that you can combine with your visit to the Spice Bazaar, such as the New Mosque, the Bosphorus Cruise, the Galata Bridge, and the Grand Bazaar. By the end of this guide, you will be ready to plan your trip to Misir Carsisi and enjoy its wonders.
History
The history of Misir Carsisi dates back to the 17th century, when it was built as part of the New Mosque complex. The name Misir Carsisi means "Egyptian Bazaar", because it was funded by the taxes levied on goods imported from Egypt. The Spice Bazaar was a major hub for the spice trade, as it was located near the Golden Horn, where ships from Asia, Africa, and Europe docked. The Spice Bazaar was also a cultural and social center, where people from different backgrounds and religions mingled and exchanged ideas.
Today, Misir Carsisi is still a bustling and vibrant market that attracts millions of visitors every year, who come to experience its products, food, and culture. It is one of the most popular and iconic attractions in Istanbul, and a close second to the Grand Bazaar in terms of size and fame.
Products
The products of Misir Carsisi are a spice lover's paradise. You can find a wide range of spices, herbs, teas, nuts, dried fruits, sweets, and souvenirs in this bazaar, all displayed in colorful and fragrant piles and jars. Some of the most common and popular products that you can find in Misir Carsisi are:
- Turkish delights: These are soft and chewy candies made from sugar, starch, and various flavors, such as rose, pistachio, lemon, and pomegranate. They are often coated with nuts, coconut, or powdered sugar, and packed in decorative boxes. Turkish delights are a traditional and popular gift and souvenir in Turkey, and you can find many varieties and qualities in Misir Carsisi.
- Tea leaves: Tea is a staple drink in Turkey, and you can find many types and blends of tea leaves in Misir Carsisi, such as black, green, herbal, and fruit teas. Some of the most popular and unique teas that you can find in Misir Carsisi are apple tea, which is a sweet and refreshing drink, and Rize tea, which is a strong and bitter black tea grown in the Rize region of Turkey.
- Nuts and dried fruits: Nuts and dried fruits are a healthy and delicious snack in Turkey, and you can find a variety of them in Misir Carsisi, such as almonds, pistachios, walnuts, hazelnuts, dates, figs, apricots, and raisins. They are often roasted, salted, or coated with honey, sugar, or spices, and sold in bulk or in packages. Nuts and dried fruits are also used in many Turkish desserts, such as baklava, halva, and lokum.
- Saffron: Saffron is one of the most expensive and precious spices in the world, and you can find high-quality and affordable saffron in Misir Carsisi. Saffron is derived from the stigmas of the crocus flower, and it has a distinctive aroma, flavor, and color. Saffron is used in many Turkish dishes, such as rice, pilaf, soup, and kebab, as well as in desserts, such as saffron pudding and saffron ice cream.
- Spices: Spices are the main attraction of Misir Carsisi, and you can find a vast and diverse selection of spices in this bazaar, such as pepper, cinnamon, cumin, cardamom, nutmeg, clove, ginger, turmeric, and more. You can also find spice mixes, such as curry, za'atar, baharat, and ras el hanout, which are used to season and enhance various dishes, such as meat, fish, vegetables, and salads. Spices are sold in different forms, such as whole, ground, or flakes, and in different quantities, such as grams, ounces, or kilos.
The best and most recommended vendors and stalls that sell the products in Misir Carsisi are:
- Ucuzcular Baharat: This is one of the oldest and most reputable spice shops in Misir Carsisi, and it has been in business since 1870. It offers a wide range of spices, herbs, teas, nuts, dried fruits, and sweets, as well as spice mixes, such as kebab spice, chicken spice, and soup spice. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable, and they can help you choose the best products for your needs and preferences.
- Malatya Pazari: This is one of the most popular and famous Turkish delight shops in Misir Carsisi, and it has been in business since 1984. It offers a variety of Turkish delights, such as plain, nutty, fruity, and chocolate-covered ones, as well as other sweets, such as baklava, halva, and lokum. The products are fresh and delicious, and they are packed in attractive and elegant boxes. You can also sample the products before buying them, and enjoy a complimentary cup of tea.
- Kurukahveci Mehmet Efendi: This is one of the most renowned and respected coffee shops in Misir Carsisi, and it has been in business since 1871. It offers high-quality and freshly roasted coffee beans, such as Turkish, espresso, filter, and mocha, as well as coffee grinders, pots, cups, and accessories. The aroma of the coffee is irresistible, and the taste is exquisite. You can also watch the roasting and grinding process, and learn about the history and culture of coffee in Turkey.
Besides the products, Misir Carsisi also offers a wide range of food options and experiences that can satisfy any palate and appetite.
Food
The food of Misir Carsisi is a culinary adventure. You can find a variety of street food, restaurants, cafes, and bakeries in and around the bazaar, where you can taste the delicious and authentic flavors of Turkish cuisine. Some of the most common and popular food that you can enjoy in and around Misir Carsisi are:
- Borek: These are savory pastries made from thin layers of dough, filled with cheese, spinach, meat, or potatoes, and baked or fried. They are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, and they are often served with yogurt or tomato sauce. You can find borek in many bakeries and cafes in Misir Carsisi, such as Borekci Sahin Usta, which is famous for its cheese and spinach borek.
- Kebab: These are grilled or roasted pieces of meat, such as lamb, beef, chicken, or fish, marinated in spices and herbs, and served on a skewer, a plate, or a bread. They are juicy and tender, and they are often accompanied by salad, rice, or fries. You can find kebab in many restaurants and stalls in Misir Carsisi, such as Hamdi Restaurant, which is famous for its pistachio kebab and its view of the Golden Horn.
- Simit: These are circular breads covered with sesame seeds, and they are a staple snack in Turkey. They are crunchy and chewy, and they are often eaten plain or with cheese, jam, or butter. You can find simit in many carts and vendors in Misir Carsisi, such as Simit Sarayi, which is famous for its fresh and hot simit.
- Lahmacun: These are thin and crispy flatbreads topped with minced meat, onions, tomatoes, and parsley, and baked in a wood-fired oven. They are spicy and flavorful, and they are often rolled up and eaten with salad, lemon, or yogurt. You can find lahmacun in many restaurants and pizzerias in Misir Carsisi, such as Borsam Tasfirin, which is famous for its thin and crispy lahmacun.
To make the most of your visit to Misir Carsisi, you will also need some practical information and advice that can help you plan and prepare your trip.
Tips
The tips for visiting Misir Carsisi are what you need to know to make your visit smooth and enjoyable. Here are some of the essential and helpful information and advice for visitors who want to visit and shop in Misir Carsisi:
- Opening hours: Misir Carsisi is open every day from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm, except on Sundays and public holidays, when it is closed. The best time to visit Misir Carsisi is in the morning or in the evening, when it is less crowded and more pleasant.
- Admission fees: Misir Carsisi is free to enter and explore, but you will need to pay for the products and food that you buy. The prices vary depending on the type, quality, and quantity of the products, as well as the vendor and the season. You can expect to pay around 10 to 20 Turkish liras (1 to 2 USD) for a kilo of spices, 30 to 50 Turkish liras (3 to 5 USD) for a box of Turkish delights, and 5 to 10 Turkish liras (0.5 to 1 USD) for a cup of tea or coffee.
- Dress code: Misir Carsisi does not have a strict dress code, but you should dress modestly and respectfully, as it is part of a religious complex and a conservative area. You should avoid wearing shorts, skirts, tank tops, or anything that reveals too much skin. You should also cover your head, shoulders, and knees when entering the New Mosque or any other mosque nearby.
- Accessibility: Misir Carsisi is accessible by various modes of transportation, such as tram, ferry, taxi, or walking. The nearest tram stop is Eminonu, which is a few minutes walk from the bazaar. The nearest ferry terminal is Eminonu, which connects to the Asian side of Istanbul and other destinations along the Bosphorus. The nearest taxi stand is outside the bazaar, where you can find many taxis waiting for customers. You can also walk to Misir Carsisi from other attractions in the area, such as the Grand Bazaar, the Galata Bridge, or the Sultanahmet Square.
- Do's and don'ts: When visiting and shopping in Misir Carsisi, you should follow some basic etiquette and customs, such as:
- Do sample the products before buying them, and enjoy the complimentary tea or coffee that the vendors offer.
- Do bargain with the vendors, and try to get the best price for the products that you want. You can start by offering half of the initial price, and then negotiate until you reach a reasonable deal.
- Do be polite and friendly with the vendors and the locals, and greet them with a smile and a "merhaba" (hello).
- Don't buy the products from the first vendor that you see, and compare the prices and quality of different vendors and stalls before making a decision.
- Don't accept the products or services from the touts or the guides that approach you in the bazaar, and avoid the scams and the rip-offs that they might try to pull on you.
- Don't take photos of the people or the products without their permission, and respect their privacy and dignity.
Nearby Attractions and Activities
Misir Carsisi is not only a great place to shop and eat, but also a great base to explore the nearby attractions and activities that Istanbul has to offer. Some of the most popular and recommended ones are:
- New Mosque: This is the mosque that is adjacent to Misir Carsisi, and it is one of the most beautiful and impressive mosques in Istanbul. It was built in the 17th century, and it has a stunning architecture, with a large dome, six minarets, and a courtyard. The interior of the mosque is decorated with exquisite tiles, carpets, and chandeliers, and it has a serene and spiritual atmosphere. You can enter the mosque for free, but you should dress modestly and cover your head, shoulders, and knees. You should also avoid visiting during the prayer times, when the mosque is closed to non-Muslims.
- Bosphorus Cruise: This is a boat ride that takes you along the Bosphorus Strait, which is the waterway that separates Europe and Asia, and connects the Black Sea and the Marmara Sea. It is a scenic and relaxing way to see the city from a different perspective, and to admire the landmarks, bridges, palaces, and mansions that line the shores. You can choose from different types of cruises, such as short, long, or private ones, and you can also enjoy a meal, a drink, or a show on board. You can book a cruise from the Eminonu ferry terminal, which is a few minutes walk from Misir Carsisi.
- Galata Bridge: This is the bridge that spans the Golden Horn, which is the inlet that divides the European side of Istanbul into two parts. It is a lively and iconic bridge, where you can see the fishermen, the vendors, the pedestrians, and the vehicles that cross it every day. You can also enjoy the panoramic views of the city, the water, and the skyline from the bridge, especially at sunset. You can walk, bike, or drive across the bridge, or you can take the tram that runs along it. You can also find many restaurants and cafes under the bridge, where you can taste the fresh and delicious seafood that the fishermen catch.
- Grand Bazaar: This is the largest and oldest covered market in the world, and it is a must-see attraction in Istanbul. It is located about 15 minutes walk from Misir Carsisi, and it has over 4,000 shops, stalls, and workshops that sell everything from carpets, jewelry, ceramics, and antiques, to clothes, books, spices, and souvenirs. It is a maze of alleys, courtyards, and domes, where you can get lost and discover the treasures and surprises that await you. It is also a cultural and historical site, where you can see the architecture, the art, and the traditions that have been preserved for centuries. You can spend hours or even days exploring the Grand Bazaar, and you can also bargain with the sellers, and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee with them.
Conclusion
Misir Carsisi is a place that you should not miss when you visit Istanbul. It is a place where you can experience the history, culture, and cuisine of Turkey, and where you can find the best and the most authentic products and food that the country has to offer. It is also a place where you can have fun and enjoy yourself, and where you can meet and interact with the locals and the visitors who share your passion and curiosity.
If you are ready to plan your trip to Misir Carsisi, you can book a tour, a hotel, or a package to Istanbul on our website, where you can find the best deals and the best options for your needs and preferences. You can also explore other related articles or destinations on our website, where you can find more information and inspiration for your travels.
