Grand Bazaar, Istanbul
Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar is the world’s largest covered market—a true architectural marvel, home to 4000 shops and vendors. The ancient labyrinth covers an area of 30,700 square meters, spanning over 60 streets. Built between 1455 and 1461 by Mehmet the Conqueror, the Grand Bazaar has since expanded from its original historical core to a massive, sprawling complex that draws in millions of tourists from all around the world each year. By the seventeenth century, the bazaar has reached its present size, with its myriad of shops and stalls.
History:
This awe-inspiring market was built shortly after the Ottomans came to power and quickly became an economic powerhouse. This is thanks to Istanbul’s strategic location, centralized in a country straddling two continents, with easy access to a third. At its peak, the Grand Bazaar was the hub for international trade and the cornerstone of Istanbul’s economic prowess.
The Grand Bazaar has undergone its fair share of hardship, with numerous fires damaging its beautiful infrastructure throughout the centuries as well as one debilitating earthquake in 1894. However, despite these tragic events, the bazaar continued to thrive and still exists as a functioning, lively market.
The bazaar has faced obstacles through time with fire accidents that hugely damaged its infrastructure and the brutalizing earthquake of 1894 taking its toll. But despite these setbacks, the market continued to thrive.
Historically, there were numerous other amenities for the vendors who worked there to cover their basic needs. This included restaurants, a hammam, a mosque, as well as at least ten smaller masjids. Today, this small city has its very own police station, post office, banks, a health dispensary, and of course, a tourist information center.
What's inside?
The bazaar is a whirlwind of dazzling oriental goods—you’ll find everything from jewelry to antiques to carpets and sweets. Tantalizing smells of exotic spices follow you as you wander through the meandering alleyways. The Grand Bazaar is one of Istanbul’s greatest attractions, located in Beyazıt Mahallesi in the heart of bustling Istanbul, within walking distance of other must-see Istanbul attractions like the Hagia Sophia.
The experience as a whole is one that cannot be missed. It’s a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture and experience an authentic part of Ottoman history. However, given the massive size of the bazaar as well as how crowded it can be given it receives thousands of visitors every day—a visit can be chaotic and overwhelming if not planned properly before. Although the Grand Bazaar is not the commercial center of Istanbul anymore, it is still one of the top places to get a real taste of what life was like in Ottoman-era Turkey.
Location & How to get there?
The primary area of the Grand Bazaar has a total of 64 streets and 22 entrances, however, the entire section surrounding the historical bedesten is also part of the bazaar. Prepare yourself to get a little lost but embrace it as part of the experience of visiting a bustling oriental market.
Due to its central location, taking public transport is the best way of getting there. The most efficient, inexpensive, and quickest way to get to the market is via the city’s tram system. Although there are more than 20 different entrances to the bazaar, you will most likely enter the bazaar through one of the main five gates: Beyazıt Kapısı (accessed through Beyazıt Square), Çarşıkapı (near the Beyazıt tram stop), Nuruosmaniye Kapısı (by the Çemberlitaş tram stop), Örücüler Kapısı (toward the Eminönü tram stop), or Mahmut Paşa Kapısı.
However, if you don’t have much time to wander around aimlessly, it’s good to have an idea of the layout of the bazaar in order to know exactly where to target. If you’re looking specifically for jewelry, it is best to enter through the Beyazit Gate and follow the main walkway connecting to the Nuruosmaniye Gate called Kalpakcılar Caddesi. Nuruosmaniye Caddesi is filled with a variety of dazzling jewelry stores with stunning handcrafted pieces sure to catch your eye. In the middle between Beyazıt and Nuruosmaniye Gates is the Çarşıkapı Gate. This gate can be helpful to know as it is the easiest way to cross the entire complex.
For those interested in some lovely hand-woven Turkish Ottoman-style carpets, Zincirli Han is a must-visit. It is also an important area for history and architecture enthusiasts. You can get there easily through the Nuruosmaniye Gate, then you’ll be directed to the Mercan Gate. Simply follow Kalpakcılar Caddesi, passing by the entrance to Sandal Bedesten, and make a right at Terzibaşı Sokak, continuing to walk straight down, following the signs. It can all be a little confusing, but mapping it out beforehand can be a great help.
The Grand Bazaar is open on all days except Sundays and bank holidays. It opens at 8:30 am and closes at 7 pm, giving you ample time to explore and shop. But you should understand that you are not going to be able to see everything, so you have to be a bit strategic if you have a specific shopping list in mind.
Once you’re under its roof, things may get overwhelming with the thousands of people passing through the narrow streets, the dazzling bright lights, wide array of colors, and the undulating smells of the best spices, perfumes, and sweets in Istanbul has to offer. All of this can make for some serious sensory overload, so if after a few hours, you’re starting to feel a little exhausted, that’s completely normal. To help overcome this issue, it’s a good idea to visit early in the morning once it opens or later in the evening when the crowds are less chaotic.
Also, keep in mind that bartering is accepted and encouraged here—it is part of the culture and experience. So, do not go for the first item you see, be a little patient and take a look around. There will be many merchants and vendors offering the same item at all different prices, so don’t be too quick to buy the first thing you see.
