All big cities have a main market, that place that is a center of commerce, culture and traditions. Istanbul, the legendary Turkish city, is no exception. This metropolis can boast of having one of the oldest markets in the world, the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul. Will you join us to meet him?
Turkey has really old cities, some of them with so much history that they are true cultural wonders. Istanbul is one of those cities, and at its heart, it has the Grand Bazaar.
The bazaar, whose original Turkish name is Kapalıçarşı, was founded in the 15th century and has been a central part of Istanbul ever since. Today, the Grand Bazaar is the largest market in the city, and in it you can find all kinds of things, such as clothes, jewelry, lamps, handicrafts and, of course, food.
The Grand Bazaar is located in the European part of Istanbul, in the so-called Old City. It is estimated that it receives about 91,000,000 visitors a year, and its popularity is increasing more and more.
Turkey is a tourist destination with high demand, so it is not surprising that one of the places of visit with the most influx of tourists is the Grand Bazaar.
As its name implies, the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul is as great in its physical structure as it is in prestige. Currently, the total area of the market is 45,000 square meters, which leaves enough space for its visitors to walk with relative ease.
However, there are certain times of the year, especially in the high season months and when a holiday is approaching, when the Grand Bazaar is packed. Fortunately, this is not a problem either, as its 20,000 workers, its 22 access doors and its more than 3,000 trading posts ensure that everything continues to function.
If you go to Istanbul, and you don’t want to miss the experience of visiting the Grand Bazaar, you can go any day of the week. Usually, the market opens early in the morning and closes at dusk. Remember that it is open every day, except Sundays.
Likewise, you cannot rush your way through the Grand Bazaar, it is a huge place that deserves to be visited calmly. In addition, sellers are always ready to negotiate, so you can spend a long time in a single store, talking with the manager and looking for the ideal price.
If even after visiting the Grand Bazaar you still have the desire and time to continue exploring the city, other places of interest such as the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace or the Galata Bridge are very close by.
Traveling to Istanbul and not visiting the Grand Bazaar is like going to Barcelona and ignoring La Boqueria market, simply impossible. In the market you will not only find merchandise, but a mirror in which the centuries of history of Turkish society are reflected.
Keep in mind that it is not only a market, but it is like a small city, a metropolis within another, where you will find what you want. You will also be experiencing a cultural change, because in the Grand Bazaar, the West meets the East and the two mix beautifully.
So don’t wait any longer, when planning your long-awaited trip to Turkey, you can’t leave Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar out of your itinerary. We assure you that you will be fascinated!
Share it:
© 2021 All rights reserved TRIP AIM
Made in ❤ TripAim
