Located in both Asia and Europe, Turkey is often a preferred tourist destination, especially for travelers from Indonesia. It is no wonder because Turkey is known for its fascinating destinations, combining the beauty of both classical and modern cultures. Besides exploring tourist destinations, you can also visit its traditional markets.
One of the more famous is the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul. Did you know that this indoor traditional market is the oldest in the world? Let’s find out more about the Grand Bazaar in this article!
According to historical records published on Kompas, the Grand Bazaar was built during Mehmed II's reign in 1453, following the Ottoman conquest of Istanbul. The initial purpose of this over the 500-year-old market was to become a financial centre for Hagia Sophia.
Occupying an area of 54,653 square meters, this market has been the hub of trade, finance, and handicrafts in the Mediterranean for centuries. Cevahir Bedesten is the oldest building in this market and was originally constructed for fabric trade.
Over time, however, the building evolved into a market for precious stones and gold. Today, a bank is even available there due to its central location within the Grand Bazaar. The second oldest building is Sandal Bedesten, which functioned as an auction house from 1914 to 1980.
The name Sandal Bedesten came from a type of fabric once woven there. This fabric, woven from silk and cotton fibers, covers an area of approximately 2,435 square meters and is topped with 20 lead-covered domes. Interestingly, until the 19th century, shops in this market did not have name boards.
Even without name boards, vendors did not compete with each other. Eventually, after an earthquake in 1894, the Grand Bazaar underwent restoration, and Western-style name boards were introduced. The market comprises of around 4,000 shops, 56 streets, 17 inns, 2 bedestens, and 21 gates.
Various items and souvenirs are sold in shops at the Grand Bazaar, which you can buy when visiting. Here are some of them:
● Iznik bowls & ceramics. Both are widely sold in the shops at the Grand Bazaar. They are quite eye-catching with various traditional and modern engravings.
● Turkish lamps. Unlike most lamps, these lamps are made of glass ornamented with a variety of motifs, models, and colors. They come in vase lamps, table lamps, and hanging lamps.
● Turkish tea. Turkey is one of the countries with the highest tea consumption in the world. Unsurprisingly, many vendors in this market sell tea in various flavours.
● Kilim carpets. Kilim carpets are also sold there. They typically come in various motifs and several sizes. The most popular size is 1x2 meters as it is easy to pack and roll up.
● Baklava. Are you a pastry lover? Do not miss the Baklava. It is a Turkish pastry typically served with honey, syrup, and sweet nut sauces.
Want to shop around at the Grand Bazaar? Here are some tips to consider!
● Before entering the Grand Bazaar, make sure you know exactly which gate you need to enter from. There are 21 gates with winding paths like a labyrinth. Do not worry if you get lost because you will have the chance to explore the Grand Bazaar to your heart’s content.
● Haven’t had the time to exchange money? Don’t worry, the market has money changers offering better rates than those in the Taksim or Sultan Ahmet areas. You can exchange for Euros or Dollars.
● To get relatively cheaper prices, visit during weekends when the market is crowded with tourists. Vendors tend to charge higher prices when there are fewer visitors. A pro tip: do not get upset if vendors raise their voices when you decide not to buy.
● It is better to shop at stores located far and hidden from the main alleys. The further away, the cheaper the prices these vendors offer compared to other stores. If possible, be the first customer of the day because vendors might give you a discount for good luck.
The Grand Bazaar is located in the Sultanahmet area, close to Beyazit and Çemberlitas. To get there, you can take the tram and get on from the Beyazıt-Kapalıçarşı stop. It is only a 3-minute walk from there to the Grand Bazaar. Or, you can also take a bus, metro, or train.
Once at the Grand Bazaar, there are two main streets you can take, Kalpakçılar Street, which connects Nuruosmaniye and Beyazıt, or Yağlıkçılar Caddesi, which connects Çarşıkapı and Örücüler. The market is open from 8:30 AM to 7:00 PM and the stores are open every day, except on religious holidays.
Wow, this indoor market sounds exciting. Make sure to go there when you are on vacation in Turkey. But before you travel, be sure that your trip is protected with Travel Insurance from MSIG Indonesia. This way, your travel will be safe, comfortable, and worry-free. Happy exploring the labyrinth that is the Grand Bazaar!
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