Grand bazaar (Kapali carsi ) is one of the oldest market place of Istanbul situated in a wide land between Nuruosmaniye mosque and Beyazit mosques.

The core parts of the Grand bazaar are 2 stone covered markets ( bedesten ) built by the Sultan mehmet the conqueror with the purpose of financial support to Hagi sophia mosque. These bedestens named as Cevahir and Sanda bedestens. In time covered markets have extended with additional markets .

The grand bazaar covers an area of roughly 80 acres and formed by 61 streets connecting to one another.

Ic bedesten covering an area of 1500 m2 and Sandal bedesten covering an area of 1300 m2 are the half detached parts in the martker. Grand bazaar also surrounded by many inns which create the general formation of the bazaar.

Thousands of shops available in the 61 streets of grand bazaar. Streets mostly named according to occupational groups  such as , streets of jewelerries, mirror makers, shoe makers etc.

What to buy in Grand bazaar ?  How to shop and buy in Grand bazaar ?

Grand bazaar ( kapali carsi ) has been protecting it’s popularity for hundred years are a must place to see and visit in Istanbul.

You can find anything you need in this grand bazaar as the shops offer various choices such as , carpets, leather, gems, gold , souvenirs, foods, turkish delights, turkish coffee, traditional clothes and shoes etc.

Goods  are a bit overpriced in the Grandbazaar so don’t be shy to offer a lower price and bargaining.

How to go Grand bazaar ?

You can go to grand bazaar from sultan ahmet square by catching the tram  you need to stop in Beyazit station .

If you are coming from Asia part you need to get in the ferry going from kadikoy or uskudar to eminonu . When you reach the eminonu dock grand bazaar is jus in a distance of 10 minutes walking.