The Grand Bazaar or Buyuk Çarşı… a historical icon
There is no doubt that the capital of the Ottoman Sultanate has the largest share of the most important tourist destinations in Turkey, as it includes a very large number of modern and ancient contemporary and historical tourist places
One of the most famous tourist destinations in Istanbul is the Grand Bazaar or the covered market, which is an icon of the Ottoman civilization and Turkey today.
What do you know about the covered market in Istanbul?
It is the second largest market in Istanbul after the Grand Bazaar and was built in the early fifteenth century during the reign of Sultan Mehmed I. It is one of the closed covered markets and was later expanded during the reign of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent.
As a result of the many natural disasters that occurred during the past years, the market was destroyed and was restored several times before reaching its current form. Next to it is the Egyptian Spice Market or the so-called Al-Attarin Market.
Historically
The history of this market dates back to the era of the Ottoman Empire, and it was the heart of the city and its first commercial center. Today, it is considered the first tourist destination in Istanbul, and it is intended for more than five hundred thousand tourists annually, to enjoy a unique shopping experience, learn about the history of the city, and enjoy the view of its roof covered with ornate blue arches.
Any tourist who wants to visit the market needs a map or a tourist guide to avoid getting lost among the labyrinths of the market. It contains 60 streets, 16 doors, and 5,000 shops specializing in selling traditional goods belonging to the Ottoman era, in addition to restaurants, cafes, and Ottoman kitchens.
The Egyptian market, the spice market
The Egyptian market is located in Istanbul opposite the port of Eminonu, near the New Mosque. The reason for naming this market goes back to the late sixteenth century AD. It was built by the order of Sultan Murad III, and coffee and spices were imported from India and South Asia, passing through Egypt to Istanbul. through the Mediterranean.
After World War II, the sale of basic foodstuffs was started within it, after it specialized in selling herbs and folk medicines.
The Spice Market extends from its main entrance, located southwest of the Good Mosque, and takes the shape of the letter L. It includes six entrances and approximately 140 shops. These shops specialize in selling gold, gifts, and clothing, while the largest part is specialized in selling nuts, sweets, and spices.
This market is characterized by the cheapest prices and the quality of the goods, as most of its employees are bilingual or even multilingual, and not to mention that the market can be reached easily by tramway.
