Grand Bazaar
The Grand Bazaar, or “Kapalıçarşı” in Turkish, is one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world. It is located in Istanbul, Turkey, and has a history dating back to the 15th century. The Kapalicarsi is a significant cultural and historical landmark, as well as a major tourist attraction.
Grand Bazaar ” Covered Bazaar” (Kapali Carsi) in Istanbul
A user friendly and informative Pamphlet with illustrations and plans. Its content is very easy to understand. In addition to general information about the Grand-Covered Bazaar (Kapali Carsi), it shows the photos of all of the major monuments in and around the Kapalicarsi in Istanbul, Turkey. The illustrated map shows what you can buy in which area. With this map you can easily get around.
Buy Grand-Bazaar Pamphlet
ISBN: 978-605-88321-2-1 Quick guide Grand-Covered Bazaar (English, Turkish, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Greek)
Available at Museum Shops in Turkey
Key features of the Grand-Bazaar include:
Size and Layout: The Grand Bazaar covers a vast area, with around 61 streets, 4,000 shops, and numerous interconnected courtyards. It’s essentially a city within a city. The labyrinthine layout can be overwhelming, but it’s also a part of the charm.- Shopping: The market is renowned for its wide variety of goods, including jewelry, carpets, textiles, spices, ceramics, leather goods, antiques, traditional Turkish crafts, and much more. It’s a great place to experience traditional Turkish shopping and haggling.
- Architecture: Kapalıçarşı architecture reflects a blend of Ottoman and Byzantine styles. The market is covered by a series of domes and vaults, providing shade and shelter to both shoppers and shopkeepers.
- History: Kapalıçarşı was established in the 15th century by Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror shortly after the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople (now Istanbul). It was a strategic center for trade, commerce, and cultural exchange, as Istanbul was a major crossroads between Europe and Asia.
Culture and Atmosphere: Walking through the Kapalıçarşı offers a sensory overload. The bustling atmosphere, vibrant colors, the aroma of spices, and the interaction with merchants create an unforgettable experience.- Tourism: The Kapalıçarşı is a significant tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors each year. It’s often featured in travel guides, films, and TV shows set in Istanbul.
- Restoration and Preservation: Over the years, Kapalicarsi has undergone numerous renovations and restorations to preserve its historical and architectural significance. Efforts have been made to maintain its traditional character while accommodating modern demands.
It’s important to note that while the Grand Bazaar is indeed a famous and iconic market, Istanbul has many other markets and bazaars that are worth exploring for those interested in Turkish culture, history, and shopping.
