September 20, 2016
The Grand Bazaar needs no words, photos will do all my talking. You might like a little history however, so here goes. The Grand Bazaar (Kapalıçarşı) in Istanbul is one of the largest covered markets in the world with 60 streets and 5,000 shops, and attracts between 250,000 and 400,000 visitors daily. In 2014, it was listed No.1 among world’s most-visited tourist attractions with 91,250,000 annual visitors. the Grand Bazaar is often regarded as one of the first shopping malls of the world.
The bazaar has been an important trading center since 1461 and its labyrinthine vaults feature two domed buildings, the first of which was constructed between 1455 and 1461 by the order of Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror. The bazaar was vastly enlarged in the 16th century, during the reign of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, and in 1894 underwent a major restoration following an earthquake.
The complex once housed two mosques, four fountains, two hamams, and several cafés and restaurants. In the center is the high domed hall of the Cevahir Bedesten.
Buy a scale to keep the merchants honest
Brooms
Chess boards of every color and size
The tea pot shop
Sieves of every size and shape
Skewers for Kabob
The paper stop
Bread and Pastries
Candy
Olives
Spices
Fish
Have your shoes shined
Hot roasted chestnuts
Even the men’s mannequins are unique
Jewelry
Lamps
The center hall
Potpourri
The juice stand
This is a unique form of kebab in a jar
Roasted corn dripping in butter
Hope you enjoyed!