Grand Bazaar: Istanbul's iconic trade center

With 61 covered streets and over 3,000 shops, the market which attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors daily offers all types of jewelry, handmade carpets, ceramics, antiques, spices and fabrics to visitors. The market's main street is lined with jewelry shops and goldsmiths, while shops which sell Turkish bath towels known as "peştemal" are the other focal point.

A shopkeeper who noted the Grand Bazaar's popularity among Europeans, Latin Americans and Arabs complained to Anadolu Agency (AA) about the European economic crisis' effects on shopping by saying, "tourists cannot afford to buy large items like carpets now. They generally prefer to buy T-shirts, watches and shoes."

While the bazaar must struggle against competition from giant malls, it attracts everyone but especially foreigners, who delight in how unique the Grand Bazaar is from others they have seen thus far. 

"We have generally outdoor markets in Sydney. But here is different from them. It is good to come and see all this traditional stuff," an Australian tourist said.

German tourist Yannes also stressed the market's originality in noting, "Ceilings are totally different from European ones. There are many different shops from Europe."

The Grand Bazaar located in Beyazit district has also become much more internationally renowned due to 'Skyfall,’ the latest Bond film, part of which was shot atop the bazaar. 

"Skyfall has been good for the Grand Bazaar's promotion. Some tourists ask if Skyfall was shot here when they visit," a shopkeeper explained. 

The iconic marketplace is recently also being discussed due to the shopping mall modeled on the Grand Bazaar being constructed in Las Vegas.

"It will be artificial. It will not be original like here. I don't really like those kinds of markets," a tourist from China told AA regarding the Vegas mall.

An Australian likewise said, "It might not be a good idea. I think this one is better. Here is much more traditional and original. I'd rather come here than go to Las Vegas." 

The Grand Bazaar, the earliest part of which was constructed in 1455 under the order of Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror, has been an important trading center since 1461. The bazaar was enlarged in the 16th century during the reign of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, and underwent a major restoration following an earthquake in 1894. 

The market complex, which houses four fountains, two hamams, two mosques and several cafes and restaurants, is open every day except Sundays.

englishnews@aa.com.tr