Lonely Planet İstanbul Guide

7 SHOPPING The city’s two most famous shopping destinations – the Grand and Spice Bazaars – are in this district. In between the two is the vibrant local shopping neighbourhood of Tahtakale. o ABDULLA NATURAL PRODUCTS ( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; % 0212-527 3684; www.abdulla.com; Halıcılar Sokak 60, Grand Bazaar; h 8.30am-7pm Mon-Sat; j Beyazıt-Kapalı Çarşı) The first of the Western-style designer stores to appear in this ancient marketplace, Abdulla sells top-quality cotton bed linen and towels, hand-spun woollen throws from eastern Turkey, cotton peştemals (bath wraps) and pure olive-oil soap. o EPOQUE ( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; % 0212-527 7865; Sandal Bedesten Sokak 38, Grand Bazaar; h 8.30am-7pm Mon-Sat; j Beyazıt-Kapalı Çarşı) Serious antique shoppers should make their way to this old-fashioned business near the bazaar’s Nuruosmaniye Gate. Silver candlesticks and trays, enamelled cigarette cases, jewellery, watches and an extraordinary range of icons are on offer in the elegant shop. The elderly owner and sales members are happy to welcome browsers. o ALTAN ŞEKERLEME ( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; % 0212-522 5909; Kıble Çeşme Caddesi 68, Eminönü; h 8am-7pm Mon-Sat, 9am-6pm Sun; m Haliç) Kids aren’t the only ones who like candy stores. İstanbullus of every age have been coming to this shop in the Küçük Pazar (Little Bazaar) precinct below the Süleymaniye Mosque since 1865, lured by its cheap and delectable lokum (Turkish Delight), helva (sweet made from sesame seeds) and akide (hard candy).

TEXTILES, BATHWARE

ANTIQUES

FOOD & DRINKS