Shops and markets in Istanbul
For centuries, Istanbul has been and remains a world trade center. Since ancient times, the city has been located at the crossroads of trade routes, which determined its attractiveness for sellers and buyers. Guests of the city enjoy visiting both numerous modern shopping centers and ancient bazaars with countless shops..
Bazaars and Markets
- The Grand Bazaar is located in the historical part of the city. It is fifteen minutes walk from the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. The size of the market is amazing. On 31 thousand square meters, there are up to five thousand stores. Traders offer carpets from Turkish, Afghani, Persian and other manufacturers, dishes made of brass, copper, ceramics and faience, jewelry, mirrors, candlesticks, coins, furniture. Here you can buy both antiques and modern copies of antiques. Prices vary greatly depending on the quality of the product. As in any oriental bazaar, trade in order to reduce the price of goods is encouraged..
- The Egyptian Bazaar is also located in the historical part of the city - in the Eminonu quarter next to the Yeni Mosque, at the entrance to the Golden Horn Bay. For spices, spices, traditional folk medicine and perfumery, you should go here. The assortment of oriental sweets and dried fruits will pleasantly surprise you.
- Arasta Market is located next to the Blue Mosque. It, like the Grand Bazaar, is one of the oldest markets in Istanbul, but it is much smaller in size and does not tire tourists so much. Here you can buy great souvenirs, tiles from Iznik, clothes, etc..
- Mahmutpasa Bazaar is a small market located between the Grand Bazaar and Eminonu next to the Mahmutpashi Mosque. Shopping here is cheap.
- The Kumkapi market is located in the fishing quarter of the European part of the city, near the coast of the Sea of Marmara. Here you can choose the freshest fish and taste seafood dishes in one of the restaurants.
Shopping streets
- Charshi street in Fatih district, Uzuncharshi street and Khasyrcilar street are located in the historical part of the city, they are flea markets. You can walk along them on the same day with a visit to the Grand Bazaar or the Egyptian Bazaar.
- The Cukurjum quarter in the Beyoglu district will attract the attention of lovers of old and modern books on various topics. Walking along the Galipdede Caddesi street, which is not far from the Tunel square, and along the Faik Pasa Sokak and cukurcuma Caddes streets, which are near the Galatasaray square, you can buy printed rarities or admire old lithographs, maps, historical Turkish books.
Shopping centers
Large multifunctional shopping centers appeared in Istanbul in the late eighties and are very popular with tourists and locals. Depending on the area of the city, you can choose a shopping mall that is comfortable for visiting. Prices depend on the brand stores listed here.
- Akmerkez - wealthy citizens of Istanbul like to dress here. In 1996 it was recognized as the best shopping center in the world by the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC).
- Istinye Park is suitable for both family shopping and leisure. In addition to shops with modern things, there is a bazaar with traditional Turkish goods, a cozy park and twelve cinemas. Both elite and democratic brands are represented.
- Kanyon - like Akmerkez, belongs to the elite shopping areas, located in the financial center of Istanbul, Levent quarter. Suitable for financially secure tourists who are demanding on the quality of goods and comfortable shopping.
- Deposite Outlet Center is an outlet class shopping center. It is located in the European part of the city in the Ikitelli quarter. In addition to a variety of clothing, accessories, electronics, household goods, cafes and fast food at discounted prices, it offers spa and wellness centers to tourists and local residents of neighboring areas.
