Grand Bazaar -Istanbul

Grand Bazaar -Istanbul

Covered Bazaar which is the biggest bazaar of Istanbul is situated right in the middle of the city. Its construction dates back to a period after 1453 when Istanbul was conquered.

The Bazaar which consisted of two bedestens originally has been enlarged with attachements that were built later. The bazaar is surrounded with inns which constitute a part of the bazaar.

In the Covered Bazaar which is erected on an area of 30 hectars there are 61 streets and making the bazaar a labyrinth like structure . On the streets which are named after the crafts such fez makers, serpuş makers, aigrette makers, ferace makers, perdah makers, slipper makers, jewelleries, mirror makers, fur cap makers there are several shops.

It is known that during the Ottoman reign all sorts of valuable fabrics, jewellery , guns, antiques were sold here. Today , there are shops where carpets and rugs which are beautiful examples of turkish handcraft, jewellery , turkish silver works, souvenirs and decorative goods, ceramics, onnix and leather ware are sold.