The Grand Bazaar – locally known as the ‘Kapali Çarsi’ (closed bazaar) – is the oldest shopping center in the world. For this reason alone, it is an absolute ‘must’ to have on your list of places to visit in Istanbul.
During the reign of Mehmet the Conqueror, such an area was built in order to increase the income of the Ottoman Empire. However over the years, its area and scope have expanded enormously, and the Grand Bazaar has now become known as the commercial center of the region. Covering an area of 45,000 square meters, the Grand Bazaar is also among the largest shopping centers in the world, so much so that Evliya Çelebi talks about the Grand Bazaar in his Travel Book.
Even if you don’t need to shop at the Grand Bazaar, you should at least pay it a visit. Wandering through the Bazaar and seeing the carpet and rug sellers, the fabric-makers, leather shops, and variety of jewellery on offer – not to mention the spice shops with their tantalising fragrances – will give you the greatest of pleasures.
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