What To Expect While Shopping At Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar
We are not exaggerating when we say that Turkey is a shopper's paradise, with over 4,000 shops in the world's oldest bazaar and 1,76,000 sqm of stores in Europe's largest shopping mall! Turkey, which spans the two continents of Asia and Europe, has a long history as a major commercial hub, dating back to its time on the famous Silk Route.
Turkey shopping is a wonderful blend of old and contemporary, making it the ideal place to stock up on both traditional arts and crafts and cutting-edge high fashion. If you are unsure about where to start or what to get, we have listed out the top shopping centres in Turkey and what to expect from them!
Grand Bazaar, Istanbul
The Grand Bazaar, as its name indicates, is one of Istanbul's major markets, featuring a range of stores offering various goods. It is one of the city's oldest covered marketplaces, with over 4000 stores covering nearly all of the city's main streets. Throughout the year, the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul attracts visitors from all over the world.
The Grand Bazaar's History
Grand Bazaar, one of Istanbul's original commercial malls, has a long and illustrious history. Grand Bazaar, which was built about 1455/56, represents Istanbul's economy during the Ottoman period. According to the Grand Bazaar's history, the 'bedestan,' or interior arcade, which was the bazaar's original centre, was finished around 1461 by Mehmet the Conqueror.
The bedestens were supposed to be fair for fabric vendors. Since its inception, spices, textiles, fabric materials, and other products have been exported and imported. Later, the two bedestans were combined to form the Grand Bazaar, a huge retail centre. Even though it is no longer a commercial centre, it is nevertheless one of Istanbul's greatest marketplaces to visit.
Shopping Experience in The Grand Bazaar
The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, which is spread out across a large region, cannot be explored in a single day. It is advised that visitors spend their free time exploring this location. Instead of buying a product, visitors may have a fantastic experience by conversing with the merchants, who are proficient in much more than one language.
What to Buy at the Grand Bazaar
Take a peek at the following list of must-buy products while on a Grand Bazaar tour -
Jewelry - The Grand Bazaar, which is lined with jewellery shops, provides a diverse selection of brilliant gems, unusual diamond cuts, and antique styles that will wow you.
Fine Arts & Antiques - In addition to jewellery, the Grand Bazaar offers some great antique shops. On this city tour, Salabi Antiques, Epoque, and Sait Asli are among some of the greatest sites to acquire antique mementoes.
Carpets and Kilims - With a large selection of carpets and kilims, stores such as Sisko Osman, Dhoku, Ethnicon, and Sengor can help you find the perfect carpet. There is a market for every type of carpet design, from rare carpets influenced by Turkish Republic style to current ones.
Textiles - Abdulla has some of the greatest shawls if you want to buy natural things. The name Ottoamano comes from the word "towel" and "blanket." Sivasli is a fantastic place to go for ethnic treats and some handcrafted products with Turkish characteristics. One of the nicest spots to visit in Istanbul is Yazmacisi.
Customized products - Grand Bazaar is home to some of the top custom-made boutiques in the city. As a remembrance of this journey, one can pay a visit to the numerous craftspeople around the Mercan Gate and have a piece of Istanbul-style jewellery designed for them.
The Grand Bazaar is one of Istanbul's most appealing areas for economic development and tourism. There are several marketplaces where you may find a diverse selection of souvenirs. Everything at Grand Bazaar, from historic bookstores to jewellery shops to street cuisine, will make your visit worthwhile. It is connected to Istanbul's major thoroughfares, making it easy for visitors to find.
Bagdat Street, Istanbul
Bagdat Street is one of the most affluent streets in the country. A popular spot for both locals and tourists to stroll around, rest in its vast choice of luxury cafés, restaurants, bars, and pubs, shop at many popular brands and boutique shops, and have a fantastic day out activities on a beautiful Istanbul day.
It is located on Istanbul's Asian side. Bagdat Street runs for 9 kilometres from the Bostanci area to the Kadikoy district's Goztepe neighbourhood. It got its name from the path taken by Ottoman Sultan Murad IV on his way to the Baghdad Battle. During the Ottoman Sultan Abdulhamit Bagdat's reign, it became one of Istanbul's most prestigious streets.
Bagdat Street has been named the world's fourth finest shopping street, according to research done by a French business. The neighbourhood around the street is also a popular residential location for Istanbul residents. There are also several stunning mansions in the area.
Along the streets, there are various luxury cafés, new generation coffee houses, restaurants, and boutiques. The various bars, pubs, and clubs provide excellent nightlife options for those looking to have a fun night in Istanbul.
Location and How to Get There
Bagdat Street is located on Istanbul's Asian side, between the Bostanci and Goztepe areas of the Kadikoy district. See the map for further information.
- The Marmaray rail is the most convenient mode of transportation to Bagdat Street.
- Suadiye is the nearest railroad station.
- Take the Yenikapi-Taksim-Haciosman M2 Metro line from Taksim to Yenikapi and transfer to the Marmaray train.
Take the Bagcilar-Kabatas tram (T1 line) to Sirkeci and then transfer to the Marmaray train.
ANKAmall, Ankara
ANKAmall, dubbed "The Shopping Centre of Turkey," is the largest shopping mall in Ankara, Turkey, with over 1, 76,000 square metres of retail and leisure area. It features over 350 domestic and international brands, as well as entertainment options for the full family, and competes with the finest in Istanbul.
- Where to shop - Armine, Gulaylar, Karpinski, Swarovski, Zara, Koctas, Armine
- Where is it located - Gazi Mahallesi is located in Mevlana Blvd. No. 2, 06330 Yenimahalle/Ankara, Turkey.
Forum Camlik, Pamukkale
Pamukkale is well-known as a spa town due to its numerous thermal springs and picturesque terraces. It attracts visitors from all over the world and is one of the greatest souvenir buying places in Turkey. Visitors may buy 'Buldan,' a native cloth, as well as semi-precious jewels, leather, and ceramics. The famed 'Calkarasi' grapes are also grown in the area.
- Where is it located - Mehmetçik Mahallesi, Doan Demirciolu Cd. No:2, Pamukkale/Denizli, 20170
Terracity, Antalya
Antalya is located on Turkey's 'Turquoise Coast' and serves as a gateway to the Southern Mediterranean. Terra City is one of the top Turkey shopping destinations, attracting a lot of luxury guests. It includes around 180 brand boutiques selling anything from Turkish fabrics to custom-made suits.
- Where should I shop - Bershka, Derimod, Ekol, Haribo
- Where is it located - Fener Mahallesi, Tekelioğlu Cd. No: 55, 07160 Muratpaşa / Antalya
Contemporary Istanbul
Clothing and handicrafts are not the only things to buy in Turkey! Every year, the city hosts a Contemporary Istanbul Art Fair, which will take place from September 20 to September 23, 2018. More than 1,500 works of art from 20 nations were on show in 2017. It is the greatest place to go if you are looking for foreign art for your home or business.
- Where is it located - Istanbul Congress Centre and Istanbul Convention and Exhibition Centre
Oscar Bazaar, Kemer
Kemer, on Turkey's southern Mediterranean coast, is a lovely coastal vacation town. Oscar Bazaar is a popular shopping destination in Kemer, Turkey. A plethora of shops, ranging from dried fruits to souvenirs, are located in the town's heart. Pick up some lovely needlework things produced by local ladies.
- Where should I shop - Dry fruits, Accessories, Textiles, Needlework
- Where is it located - Yeni Mahallesi, 07980 Kemer / Antalya
Cukurcuma Street, Istanbul
Shopping at Istanbul's Cukurcuma Caddesi is like going back in time! It is one of the greatest places to browse for antiques and unique items at low Turkey shopping rates. Beautiful neoclassical buildings line the twisting lanes, which have been repaired and safeguarded. Cukurcuma is the perfect blend of flea market and souvenir buying, and you'll have a great time there!
- Where should I shop - Anadol Antik, Levanten, Firuze, Leyla Seyhanli, D Art and Design, Cezayir
- Where is it located - Çukur Cuma Cd., Firuzağa Mahallesi, 34425 Beyoğlu
Arasta Bazaar, Istanbul
Arasta Bazaar, located within the Blue Mosque complex, is the ideal location for combining sightseeing and shopping in Istanbul, Turkey. Handmade rugs and carpets, exquisite pottery, and mosaic tiles may all be found in the enormous open-air bazaar. Window shop while sipping a cup of Turkish coffee on the go!
- Where should I shop - By Moses, Galeri Cengiz, Iznik Classics, Jennifer’s Hamam, Troy Rug Store
- Where is it located - Sultanahmet Mh., Kabasakal Cad Arasta Çarşısı, 34122 Fatih
Istiklal Caddesi, Istanbul
The Istiklal Avenue, or Caddesi in Turkish, is the ideal blend of historic and contemporary Turkey. The largest international and local fashion labels are housed in the historic Gothic and Ottoman era buildings on the Boulevard. The charming red tram that goes along the street completes the ideal visitor experience.
- Where should I shop - Cicek Pasji, Atlas Arcade, Saray Muhallebicisi
- Where is it located - Istiklal Avenue, Beyoglu District
Turkey Shopping Tips
- Bargaining is very usual in bazaars. Prices can be negotiated ranging from 10% to 40% off the published prices.
- Kilims (traditional carpets), silk head scarves, indigenous fabrics, traditional jewellery, and spices are among the nicest things to buy in Turkey.
- Flower teas, spices (particularly urfa and maras dried pepper), Turkish honey, Turkish coffee, and Turkish towels are among the gifts available.
- Almost all shops in Istanbul accept credit cards and travellers' cards, so you won't need to carry a lot of cash.
- While going home, you will most likely need to bring an extra bag of luggage full of Turkey shopping! Book a vacation to Turkey with your closest friend and go shopping in paradise for a lifetime of memories.
Shopping in Turkey: Frequently Asked Questions
What are the greatest places in Turkey to shop?
- While in Turkey, you may shop for silk headscarves, select from a wide range of local fabrics, get traditional Turkish jewellery and spices, get some cheaper teas, purchase spices (such as Urfa and Maras dried pepper), buy Turkish honey, Turkish coffee, Turkish towels, and so on.
What are the finest shopping spots in Turkey?
- While in Turkey on vacation, you may visit some beautiful destinations including Arasta Bazaar, Istiklal Caddesi, Terracity, Antalya, Grand Bazaar, Turkey, Oscar Bazaar, Kemer, and Cukurcuma Street, Istanbul Forum Camlik, Pamukkale, ANKAmall, Bagdat Street, Contemporary Istanbul, etc.
What are the greatest gifts to bring home from Turkey for friends and family?
- When purchasing souvenirs for your friends and family from Turkey, you will have a variety of things to select from, such as local fabrics, silk headscarves, traditional Turkish jewellery, aromatic spices, and so on.
Is English spoken in Turkey?
- Yes, English is widely spoken in Turkey, and you will have no trouble communicating with people while on vacation.
When is the best time to travel to Turkey?
- Because Turkey has hot summers and cold winters, it is best to come in the spring and fall. So plan your trip to Turkey between April and May or September and November.
What are the top spots in Turkey that you must visit?
- There are several incredible locations to visit in Turkey, such as the Blue Mosque, Pammukale, Cappadocia, Ephesus, Aspendos Theatre, Oludeniz, and others, that will ensure you have a fantastic experience discovering nothing but the finest.
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