Shopping in Turkey

Turkey's most famous shopping destinations don't need to be introduced  

1. The Grand Bazaar

The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul has been open since the mid-15th century. It's basically a medieval version of a modern mall. Bedesten (warehouse) and Caravanserai have about 4,000 shops, all connected by arched alleys. Fortunately, with a slight loss of interior orientation, there are often some more interesting little shops away from the main route. Here you can find the full range of Turkish handicrafts, as well as handicrafts from Central Asia and the Middle East. From antique hand-woven Turkish rugs and handmade gold jewellery to cheap Istanbul plastic refrigerator magnets. It's a great place to thoroughly investigate what's being offered. The best places to visit are speciality stores and handicraft workshops in a small alley in the back of Bedestin. Many of the shops along the main roads offer cheap tourist attractions. Exploring Uzbekistan's deeper embroidered textiles reveals hand-woven silk scarves and cleverly labelled metal products.

Location: Beyazit Square front door, Yeniçeriler Caddesi, Beyazit

2. Egyptian Spice Bazaar

The Egyptian Spice Bazaar building overlooking Eminönü's ferry landing was built in the 17th century with tax revenues from Egypt ruled by the Ottoman Empire. A one-stop-shop for food lovers who want to take away the taste of Turkey. Over 80 shops sell local sweets such as spices, dried fruits, nuts, Turkish food, dried flowers, herbal teas, Helva (Tahini sweets) and Turkish delight (Turkish delight). Come buy Turkish spices such as Urushi and Pulver (Aleppo pepper), buy high-quality pomegranate moraces (another major seasoning for Turkish cuisine) and try different Turkish kinds of honey. please look. It can be from noon. Try it in the morning as it can be uncomfortable and busy until late in the afternoon.

Location: Off Ragıp Gümüşpala Caddesi in Eminönü

3. Arasta Bazaar

The Arasta Bazaar is conveniently located just behind the Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Mosque) in the heart of the old town. Originally, this shopping arcade was part of the mosque complex and would have generated income for the mosque. Today, everything revolves around tourism and specializes in ceramics and textiles. Casual, smaller and less crowded than the Grand Bazaar or Open Air, the Arasta Bazaar is a relaxing and easy way to go instead of buying Turkish handicrafts. Like the Grand Bazaar, it's one of the best places to shop and see what kind of handicrafts are offered, and it's the number one shopping destination in town. There are several shops here that sell a variety of pottery.

Address: Küçük Aya Sofya Caddesi, Sultanahmet

4. AliMuhiddinHacıBekir

For sweets visiting Istanbul, visiting the pastry shop is one of the most popular activities in Turkish delight. Not surprisingly, there are many attractive shops to do that, but Lokum and many other traditional Turkish sweets are a great gift for your hometown friends. This historic Turkish delight and confectionery maker has been in business since 1777. In the 19th century, the store earned the official approval of the Ottoman Sultan by painting the title of the palace's main confectioner. Turkish delights come in a variety of flavours, from traditional rosewater, pomegranate and pistachio flavours to clove-flavoured Turkish delights and chocolate-soaked ones. Another traditional candy to stock up here is herba (tahini candy) filled with sugar-coated almonds and pistachios.

Address: Hamidiye Caddesi, Sirkeci

5. Kadikoy Market Kadikoy Market

One of Istanbul's top local produce spots is open Monday through Friday and is a vibrant and lively commercial center. Browsing is as fun as shopping. There are various food stalls selling fresh seafood, herbs, vegetables and fruits, as well as shops specializing in takeaway products. Come here for local cucumbers, jams, honey and other seasonings. Dried fruits; For non-food shopping, it's a great place to buy soaps and skincare products made from olive oil, herbal oils, ointments, traditional Hammam (Turkish bath) scrubbing brushes and peeling sponges.

Address: Off Rıhtım Caddesi & Damga Sokak in Kadikoy

6. Istiklal Caddesi

This long, almost pedestrianized street that winds across the hills through the Beyoğlu district to Taksim Square has long defeated the modern centre of Istanbul. Today, most of the small and fashionable shopping boutiques have been replaced by international high street brands and fast-food restaurants, but they are still a good place to stroll shopping. Some interesting points along the length of Istiqlal are the arcade walkways of the neoclassical buildings that line the sections of the street. The most famous is the Chicheki Passage (Flower Passage), where small shops sell scarves, colourful pottery and lamps, and restaurants and cafes serve atmospheric cuisine in late 19th-century architecture. An antique tram runs from Tunel Square at the foot of Istiqlal. Follow the street to Taksim Square.

Address: Istiklal Caddesi, Beyoğlu The 7th

7. Women's Bazaar

In the Fati district, the Women's Bazaar (Kadınlar Pazarı) is a popular gourmet meeting place. With butchers, kebab restaurants and food stalls made with fresh produce, this street is the heart of the real neighbourhood. Most of the produce is fresh, so come to a picnic of local specialty cheeses, fruits, cucumbers, dried fruits, nuts and olives, or take part in daily shopping with the locals and make huge vegetables at the stalls and swings. Take a look around the mountains The corpse in the window of the butcher's shop. Most of the vendors here are originally from southeastern Turkey, and the canteen-style restaurants on the market serving southeastern kebab cuisine reflect this. Be sure to plan your visit so that you can go to the market and have lunch here later. Address: Itfaiye Caddesi, Fati The 8th. Kurukahveci Mehmet Efendi Kurukahveci Mehmet Efendi is a must-have for coffee lovers.

8. Çukurcuma

Whether you’re a serious collector or just browsing, the antique and vintage boutiques in this hilltop neighbourhood east of Istiklal Caddesi are worth a visit. Browse here for a treasure trove of items, from late 19th-century Baroque furniture and flower-painted pottery to paintings used clothing, textiles and old books. Easy-to-move items include quirky decorative glassware, candlesticks, and late Ottoman tea sets. If you prefer a more retro style, some stores specialize in household items and decorations from the first half of the 20th century. Wear decent walking shoes to stroll down the steep cobblestone streets.