Grand Bazaar
The Grand Bazaar (Kapalicarsi - Covered Bazaar) is one of the oldest and biggest closed bazaars in the world. Grand Bazaar is one of the most interesting attractions in Istanbul. Consisting of a huge labyrinth of about 70 twisting streets crammed with more than 4,100 shops, restaurants, hamams (Turkish baths), mosques, storehouses and fountains, Grand Bazaar is a fascinating experience to wander around the streets, looking and enjoying, or bargaining and shopping. Here you can find almost everything, from meerschaum pipes, carpets and jewellery, to Turkish Delight, textiles, spices, clothing and hand-painted ceramics.
Built during the rule of Fatih Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror in 1461, the bazaar grew by covering an increasingly large area of shops and streets with roofs, arches and domes, and it became the centre of trading during the Ottoman period. Caravans of silk traders traditionally stayed here and rested their camels while selling their merchandise, and many of these ‘hans’ or caravanserais still exist as storehouses today.
Although the Grand Bazaar retains its former charm, since the 1970's the modern and large enterprises near the main entrance of the Grand Bazaar offer better shopping opportunities for the tourist groups visiting Istanbul. The Spice Bazaar is another covered bazaar on a smaller scale. A small 15th century covered bazaar in Galata is still in use today.