The Grand Bazaar (“Kapalıçarşı” in Turkish meaning Covered Bazaar) is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. It is still quite popular both among locals and tourists visiting it from every corner of the globe.
An estimated number of more than 90 million people visit the Bazaar every year.
The history of the Bazaar goes back to 1461 when it was built by Fatih Sultan Mehmet to bring revenues to support the maintenance of Hagia Sophia and make Istanbul the trading center of the Empire. The Bazaar expanded over time to reach its limits today.
Itsits on more than 30 thousand square meters of land covering 61 streets and more than 3 000 shops. Each street is named after the merchants they were selling in the past.
Grand Bazaar is known for selling spices, jewelry, silk, pottery, leather, copperware, antiques and carpets. It is almost impossible to leave this market without buying a souvenir of Turkey.
The labyrinthine complex is a pleasure to explore and even to get lost as there is so much to see and experience. Visitors who wish to shop should test their bargaining skills to make their experience here even more memorable.