THE GRAND BAZAAR:
With 61 covered streets and over 4,000 businesses over 30,700 m2, Istanbul's Grand Bazaar is one of the world's biggest and oldest covered markets, attracting between 250,000 and 400,000 tourists daily.
Most of Turkey's historic sites are still in excellent shape. There are a total of 28 ancient sites in Turkey that draw a sizable number of tourists from across the world each year. The Temple of Artemis, Ephesus, Bergama Acropolis, Aphrodisias, and Göbekli Tepe are Turkey Visa most significant ancient landmarks.
The Grand Bazaar (Kapalçarş) was built in 1455 as a hub for local apparel and jewelry commerce. Fatih Sultan Mehmet, often known as Mehmed the Conqueror, started building two stone houses where merchants could sell their goods and earn PROFITS for the Hagia Sofia Mosque.
Travelers, street vendors, and residents mingle in the Grand Bazaar's maze alleyways in quest of a deal, whether a pair of designer jeans, a handcrafted silk rug, or a properly brewed cup of tea. Outside the big Bazaar, worn, narrow lanes slope down from its lofty position to the southern edge of the Golden Horn, where the evocatively scented Spice Bazaar coexists with the beautiful New Mosque (opened in 1665). Nearby, the famous Galata Bridge provides pedestrian access to urban pleasures across the river in Istanbul's more residential and contemporary areas. At the same time, Sultanahmet's must-see sights are only a stroll away.
The Architecture of the Grand Bazaar
The Internal Market, also known as the Iç Bedesten, is laid out in a rectangular pattern. Three rows of bays are supported by two rows of stone piers, four in each row. Each bay is topped with a brick dome with a blind drum. Forty-four basements, vaulted rooms with no external access, have been created in the inner and outer walls. The Market gets its light from rectangular windows built straight into the roof and accessible by a wooden ambulatory. Due to the limited lighting, the structure was only open for a few hours each day and was devoted to trading luxury products, particularly textiles. Furthermore, the vaults of the Market were utilized as safes.
The Structure is Accessible Via Four Gates:
"Second-hand Book Sellers' Gate" (Sahaflar Kaps) is located in the north, "Skullcap Sellers' Gate" (Takkeciler Kaps) is located in the south, "Jewellers' Gate" (Kuyumcular Kaps) is located in the east, and "Women's Clothiers' Gate" (Zenneciler Kaps) is located in the west.
The rectangular Sandal Bedesten, or Market, is supported by 12 stone piers, which in turn support 20 bays, and is crowned by brick domes with blind drums. Stores are only carved on the outside walls in this scenario. The brickwork is made of rubble, and each bay in both buildings is joined to the others by brick arches connected with juniper beams. Iron gates enclosed both buildings.
Except for the covered marketplaces, the Grand Bazaar's buildings were originally constructed of wood and weren't rebuilt in stone and brick until after the 1700 fire.
All of the bazaar buildings are on one level, except the fur traders market (Turkish: Kürkçüler arss), a later addition with two floors.
The Grand Bazaar's Aura:
The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul has a visibly high level of security. The Grand Bazaar was first expanded to preserve trade in one location for maximum protection against political upheaval, natural calamities like fires, and theft.
The Grand Bazaar offers a wide variety of alternatives for meals and drinks now, but before Ottoman culture was fully westernized, restaurants were an entirely foreign idea. This is frequently attributed to the absence of women in the area's social settings, workplaces, and traditional beliefs.
There were two kiosks inside the Bazaar where merchants would sell their essential, traditional Turkish foods for lunch. One of the stalls is still there, although it is no longer in operation.
The Grand Bazaar is a remarkably distinctive building with a long history and ties to Turkish culture. Even if you don't want to buy it in Turkey, you MUST go shopping in the Grand Bazaar! Don't pass up one of Istanbul's most ancient cultural events.
Haggling at the Grand Bazaar
The Grand Bazaar, one of the world's largest markets, attracts up to 500,000 people daily who fall for the attractions of the smooth-talking vendors.
Here's How to Outwit Their Cunning Efforts and Get a Fair Price For Your Items:
- Don't be too eager to buy something or don't be too pleased with any good. Even if you 'had to have it,' these pros can read all the indicators of a specific consumer - and there's little chance of not being charged tourist pricing if you act like a walking Lira wallet.
- Haggling is an act; you must be willing to play your part. They'll toss one-liners at you and even try to guilt you if you don't give in. Return their charm - a grin goes a long way - but play hardball. When everything else fails, be prepared to walk away.
- Try gazing at the merchandise, shrugging, and appearing uncertain, so they think you are debating whether it is worth the amount being asked. Usually, they will drop their offer if they know you desire something but are unwilling to pay their price.
- You can determine if you're getting a reasonable price or not if you know how much your goods are genuinely worth.
- Offer a price between 30 and 50 percent below the asking price to open up some space for negotiation. Your initial offer won't be accepted, and you shouldn't take theirs either
