Istanbul's Grand Bazaar
Istanbul's Grand Bazaar or Kapalıçarşı in Turkish, which means covered market is one of the world's largest decked markets with about 4,000 shops, 58 streets, and 400,000 visitors every day. Famous for its jewellery, gemstones, pottery, spices and tapestry shops, the Grand Bazaar is like jumping into Alibaba's cave.
The Bazaar consists of two dome-like masonry structures, constructed by order of the great sultan, Mehmed the Conqueror, from 1455 to 1461. Later, during the reign of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent in the 16th century, the Bazaar was expanded considerably, and its final form was majorly renovated after an earthquake in 1894. As one of the world's oldest and largest bazaars, Istanbul's Grand Bazaar is aesthetically designed to look like a giant maze.
In tourism and commercial terms, it is the attraction point of Istanbul, with its 550 years of rich history. Explore the Grand Bazaar's labyrinth roads and passages popular among tourists, admire the architectural design, eat some of the best street food, and enjoy a shopping experience that can only be found in an Oriental bazaar.
