Grand Bazaar in Istanbul: photo, mode of work and reviews

The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul is not just a market, it's a real landmark of the city. It is no wonder, after all buyers paced along its numbers still in times when the country was ruled by Suleiman the Magnificent. Feel yourself in their place, plunge into the atmosphere of centuries and buy something that you can not buy anywhere else, today anyone can. And it does not matter if you come to Istanbul in summer or winter, to visit its most famous bazaar is definitely worth it!

Grand Bazaar: then and now

The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, whose photo amazes with the variegated colors, has always been so. Its history is more than 500 years old, and throughout its length this place was associated with major landmarks of the history of the city itself.

First, the Grand Bazaar was built from a tree, but after the fires it was necessary to rebuild it, already using a stone. Stone structures also could not resist - this time before the earthquake. After several reconstructions and rearrangements in the 1960s, the market finally got the final look - exactly the one it has today.

The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul was originally built as a shelter for the security of the traders themselves, as well as for protecting the goods from the weather. In the roof, special holes were made for sunlight, and she herself was skillfully decorated with magnificent ornaments.

Each type of goods and each group of merchants were assigned a specific site. Therefore, to this day, the streets of the Grand Bazaar bear distinctive names. Here you can find a street of jewelers and sellers of carpets, gunsmiths and pottery craftsmen.

The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul is an unofficial record holder in terms of area and quantity of goods. Equal to him in the world just do not. This is a real town with streets and quarters, sites, fountains and even mosques. In addition, there is a school, a sauna, numerous cafes and exchange offices. In short, you can walk here all day.

Where is the market in Istanbul?

The Grand Bazaar is not located anywhere on the outskirts, but in the historical center of the city. At a distance of only a kilometer away is the dream of all tourists - the Blue Mosque.

To get to the Grand Bazaar you can walk, or you can on a special high-speed tram. He walks on a branch called T1. You reach the Beyazit stop and you are there. Right in front of you will be the main gate of the market. There is another stop, called Çemberlitaş, from which you can also go to the bazaar, through another entrance.

If you prefer walking tours, then from the New Mosque or from Eminonyu Pier you can walk to the Grand Bazaar in just 15-20 minutes. True, the path runs through intricate narrow streets, in which you can get lost. It is advisable to explore this area before visiting or use the navigator.

Grand Bazaar in Istanbul: opening hours

In the capital of Turkey many attractions: the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia. The market also can be attributed to their number. Many tourists, even coming to Turkey for only a couple of days, first of all hurry to visit the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul. The mode of operation is the same as that of many stores. Trade pavilions open at half past eight - nine in the morning, and close at seven in the evening. Quite enough time to buy everything you need and admire the strange goods that you will not find anywhere else. Please note: on Sunday the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul is closed.

If you were on the market only in the evening, here too there is something to see. The bazaar itself is closed, but outside, near its walls, merchants put their goods in the evening. If you adore flea markets and do not miss the opportunity to buy some consumer goods, then be sure to check back here after 19:00.

How to navigate the streets of the Grand Bazaar

Every day more than half a million customers come here. In order not to get lost in the numerous streets, be sure to remember which gate you got inside. In total there are nine main gates and several secondary ones, each of which has its own intricate name. Also, the map of the Grand Bazaar will help you with the orientation: you can buy it at the entrance or at a newspaper stand nearby.

On the map or market map that hangs at each entrance, lots with different goods are marked with different colors. For example, blue - textiles, brown - leather goods. If you came to buy a carpet or pottery, look for green streets, and those who hunt for Turkish gold, should focus on the yellow notation.

Gourmet Gourmet

According to the reviews of tourists, you can buy everything here literally. Famous Turkish spices and sweets, carpets and soap, gold and jewelry ... You can even buy nothing (if you can), but just wander through the streets of the Grand Bazaar and plunge into the atmosphere of the eastern fairy tale. And on the way to taste a piece of this or that delicacy.

Many recommend going to the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul before returning home - in order to store food on the road. Here you can find excellent cheese of several types, olives, basturma, coffee, all kinds of sweets and much more - both in bulk and in boxes.

To feel the unique color of this Turkish market is impossible without a cup of local coffee. Therefore, visit one of the local coffee houses, which are found on the streets of the Grand Bazaar just at every step. And if you do not like coffee, you will be offered a fragrant strong tea - the locals love it just like we do.

Prices on the Grand Bazaar

Remember: everything that is sold here, already obviously has an inflated price. So do not be afraid to bargain - especially since in the East it is only welcomed. Be a picky buyer and be sure to check the quality of the product, no matter how much the seller extols it.

Keep in mind that if you go to a few streets inland from the gate, you will see much lower prices. Therefore, do not buy immediately near the entrance. In addition, the testimonials also indicate that outside the Grand Bazaar you can buy a favorite thing cheaper than inside.

By the way, the residents of Istanbul at the Grand Bazaar prefer not to buy anything - it's too expensive. This place is intended exclusively for tourists.

Reviews of the Grand Bazaar

Even Joseph Brodsky after visiting the capital of Turkey was left impressed by its trade pavilions. Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, he called the heart, soul and brain of the city. He also said that the world's most famous stores can not be compared to local "catacombs" full of various goods.

Interest not only products, but also the architectural splendor of the market. The painting of the walls and ceilings of the Grand Bazaar itself is a museum attraction. Therefore, looking at the counters, occasionally raise your head and look around. Local authorities do not restore the paintings, so everything you see will be a historical original of the past centuries.

In short, the Grand Bazaar (Istanbul), which has the same working hours as most stores, is a very colorful place. Memories from his visit will remain with you for a long time!