Istanbul Guide

BAZAAR DISTRICT

GRAND BAZAAR

ROB VAN ESCH/SHUTTERSTOCK ©

DON’T MISS  İ ç (Inner) Bedesten  Hal ı c ı lar Çar ş ı s ı Sokak  Kuyumcular Caddesi

This colourful and chaotic bazaar is the heart of the Old City and has been for centuries. Starting as a small vaulted bedesten (warehouse) built on the order of Mehmet the Conqueror in 1461, it grew to cover a vast area as lanes between the bedesten , neighbouring shops and hans (caravanserais) were roofed and the market assumed the sprawling, labyrinthine form it retains today. Exploring the Bazaar When here, be sure to peep through doorways to discover hidden hans , veer down narrow lanes to watch artisans at work and wander the main thoroughfares to differentiate treasures from tourist tat. It’s obligatory to drink lots of tea, compare price after price and try your hand at the art of bargaining. Allow at least three hours for your visit; some travellers spend three days! A Tour of the Bazaar

 Takkeciler Sokak  Sahaflar Çar ş ı s ı

PRACTICALITIES  Kapal ı Çar ş ı , Covered Market  Map p242, D5  h 8.30am-7pm Mon Sat, final entry 6pm  j Beyaz ı t-Kapal ı Çar ş ı

There are thousands of shops in the bazaar, and this can be overwhelming for the first time visitor. By following this suggested itinerary, you should be able to develop an un derstanding of the bazaar’s history, its layout and its important position as the hub of the surrounding retail precinct. Start at the tram stop next to the tall column known as Çemberlita ş (p101). From here, walk down Vezir Han Caddesi and you will soon come to the entrance to the Vezir Han, a han (caravanserai) built between 1659 and 1660 by the Köprülüs, a distinguished