Grand Bazaar, the Magic of History

Let’s take a short trip to The Grand Bazaar and witness the magic of history. It is a place that will remind you of Arabian Nights and “One Thousand and One Nights”, which you see in movies or read about its magic in books.

It is considered one of the world’s oldest and largest covered bazaars. However, you have yet to hear of it. In that case, Grand Bazaar is located in Istanbul, or ‘Kapalıçarşı’, which means ‘Covered Market’ in Turkish. 

The Grand Bazaar includes 4,000 stores and about 25,000 employees. It attracts almost 400,000 people daily and more on its busiest days. In 2014, the giant bazaar was ranked the most visited tourist place, with about 91 million visitors. 

If you intend to visit Istanbul one day, visit the Grand Bazaar; you will have a unique shopping experience there. In the following few lines, you will learn more about it.

Location

The Grand Bazaar is between the Bayezid II Mosque and Nur Osmaniye Mosque in Istanbul. You can reach the historical bazaar by tram from Sultanahmet and Sirkeci.

History

The covered market is one of the most famous shopping destinations in the world. It dates back to the Ottoman period. Sultan Fatih ordered its construction in 1460 to fund the Hagia Sophia Mosque renovations.
Sultan Fatih ordered the building of the bazaar in 1460. The bazaar served as the state’s treasury, keeping jewels, precious metals, and jewelled weapons.

If we examine the basic structure of the market, we find that it consists of two internal markets. The two covered bazaars form the core of the bazaar. The first one is ‘İç Bedesten’. Bedesten comes from the Persian word Bezestan, which comes from bez, meaning “cloth.” Thus, Bezestan means “bazaar of the cloth sellers.”

Its other name is Cevahir Bedesten, which means ‘Bedesten of Gems’. This building, which measures 48 m x 36 m, may date back to the Byzantine era. 

The second bazaar is the new Bedesten, which was to be built by order of Sultan Fatih in 1460 and is known as ‘Sandal Bedesten’. It got its name because Sandal fabric made from cotton and silk is sold here. 

As said before, the Grand Bazaar was built in 1460. Before that, Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent constructed a huge wood bazaar. Like a great maze, it consists of 66 streets and 4,000 shops on 30,700 square meters and is an unparalleled and must-see centre of Istanbul.

This site is like a covered city that has developed and changed in some features. The bazaar -which witnessed many earthquakes and fires, took its current shape through reconstruction work. That continued for four years during the reign of Sultan Abdul Hamid after it was destroyed by an earthquake in 1894.

Until recently, the bazaar had five mosques, one school, seven fountains, ten wells, one fountain, 24 gates, and 17 inns. The streets and alleys were named after the workers who worked there, such as jewelers, mirror shops, fez makers, and oil workers.

The two old buildings, which had thick walls from the 15th century and were covered with domes, became shopping centres in the following centuries. It happened by hiding the developing streets and making some additions. Unfortunately, the Grand Bazaar suffered from an earthquake and several major fires at the end of the last century. It was restored as before, but some of its past features have changed.

In the past, the bazaar was a market where certain professions and jobs were located on every street. Handicrafts were manufactured under strict control and commercial ethics. Customs were highly respected. The families specialised in their fields for generations. They confidently sold all kinds of precious fabrics, jewellery, weapons, and antiques.

The Grand Bazaar Today

Many things have changed in the Grand Bazaar. For example, some professions, such as quilters, slippers, and fez makers or sellers, only have their names on the streets of the Grand Bazaar because their careers became extinct with time and development and were replaced by other jobs more suitable for the time.

Everyone should visit this place at least once for shopping or a cultural trip. In the past, the Grand Bazaar’s shops were more than just business places; people used to have long conversations about everything there, not only business.

At that time, the shops were not in the same form as today. Instead, the shelves served as showcases, and the shopkeepers sat on benches right before them. The customers will sit beside them and chat over Turkish tea or coffee.

The Shops of the Grand Bazaar

The Grand Bazaar is home to various shops, each specialising in a different product type. Some of the most popular items sold in the market include:

1. Carpets and Kilims: The Grand Bazaar is famous for its carpets and kilims, as well as handwoven rugs made from wool, silk, or cotton. These rugs come in various designs and colours; many are intricately detailed with traditional Turkish patterns. Whether you are looking for a small kilim to hang on your wall or a large carpet to cover your floor, the Grand Bazaar has something for everyone.
2. Jewellery: The Grand Bazaar is also known for its jewellery shops, which sell everything from gold and silver to precious stones and pearls. Many of the jewellery shops in the market have been in business for generations, and their craftsmen are known for their skill and attention to detail. Whether you are looking for a simple silver ring or an elaborate gold necklace, you will find something that catches your eye in the Grand Bazaar.
3. Spices and Teas: The bazaar is a haven for food lovers, with its wide selection of spices, teas, and dried fruits. The spice shops sell everything from saffron and sumac to cumin and coriander, while the tea shops offer a variety of traditional Turkish teas, such as apple tea and black tea. The vibrant colours and fragrant aromas of the spices and teas are a feast for the senses.
4. Ceramics and Pottery: The Grand Bazaar is also a great place to shop for ceramics and pottery. The market is known for its hand-painted tiles, plates, and bowls decorated with traditional Turkish motifs. Whether you are looking for a souvenir to take home or a unique piece of art to display in your home, the Grand Bazaar has a wide selection of ceramics and pottery.
5. Leather Goods: The Grand Bazaar is famous for its leather goods, including bags, jackets, and shoes. The leather shops in the market offer high-quality products at reasonable prices, many of which will custom-make items to your specifications. Whether you are looking for a stylish leather jacket or a practical leather bag, the Grand Bazaar has something to suit your needs.
6. Textiles: The Grand Bazaar is a treasure trove of textiles, with shops selling everything from silk scarves and pashminas to embroidered tablecloths and bedspreads. The market is known for its high-quality textiles, often handwoven and decorated with intricate patterns. Whether you are looking for a unique piece of clothing or a beautiful home accessory, the Grand Bazaar has something to offer.
7. Antiques: The bazaar is also a great place to shop for antiques. The market is home to several antique shops that sell everything from Ottoman-era furniture and ceramics to ancient coins and jewellery. Whether you are a serious collector or just looking for a unique piece of history, the Grand Bazaar has a wide selection of antiques.

Reasons Why to Visit the Grand Bazaar

Suppose you are a shopaholic and want a free shopping tour, or you are visiting Turkey and want to buy souvenirs, or you wish to experience a historical, cultural time among the fragrance of the past; if you are any of these, you have found what you are looking for in the bazaar. 

You can get lost in its many streets, enjoy the distinctive Turkish coffee fragrance, and taste the delicacies for which Turkey is famous. Then, you can reach for handcrafted products while being carefully crafted. What else can you find in the Grand Bazaar? In short, you can find almost everything in this magnificent, one of the world’s oldest markets.  

One of the well-known products in which the Turks are masters is carpets. Handmade carpets and jewellery are the best examples of traditional Turkish art. They are sold with certificates of quality and origin and guaranteed shipping worldwide. 

In addition, there is a rich collection of famous Turkish works made of silver, copper, and bronze souvenirs and decorative items, ceramics, onyx and leather, and high-quality Turkey memorabilia. 

 You can also see the splendour of carefully made lamps and the glamour of bright lights that will catch your eye. Along with skin care products such as soap and creams made from 100% natural materials, clothes, and bags, you will find everything you want to buy there.

The Grand Bazaar is open daily from 09:00 to 19:00, except for Sundays and official holidays.

The Magic of the Grand Bazaar

The Grand Bazaar is more than just a market; it is a magical place where history and culture come alive. The market is a living testament to Istanbul’s rich past and offers a unique glimpse into the city’s vibrant present. Whether you are a history buff, a shopaholic, or a curious traveller, the bazaar will captivate your senses and leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.

The magic of the Grand Bazaar lies in its ability to transport you to another time and place. As you walk through its narrow streets and browse its shops, you can’t help but feel a connection to the generations of merchants and traders who have come before you. The Grand Bazaar is where tradition and modernity coexist, where the past and present come together vibrantly and dynamically.

In a constantly changing world, the bazaar remains a constant place where the magic of history is preserved and celebrated. It is a place where you can lose yourself in the sights, sounds, and smells of a bustling marketplace and discover the beauty and richness of Turkish culture. Whether you are visiting for the first time or the hundredth time, the Grand Bazaar will always have something new and exciting to offer.

Conclusion

The Grand Bazaar is not just a market but a symbol of Istanbul’s rich history and cultural heritage. With its stunning architecture, vibrant atmosphere, and wide variety of shops, it is a must-visit destination for anyone travelling to Istanbul. Whether you are shopping for souvenirs, exploring the market’s hidden corners, or simply soaking up the atmosphere, the Grand Bazaar will leave you with lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for the magic of history.

It attracts tourists and visitors from all over the world, and it receives thousands of visitors daily. I hope you enjoyed your trip to the fantastic shopping and cultural centre. Check the following link to learn more about Turkey and the attractions there: Top 10 Things to do in Cappadocia, Turkey, Your Full Guide to Visit 20 Places in Turkey, 10 Best Things to do in Izmir: the Pearl of the Aegean Sea.