Grand Bazaar
History of the Grand Bazaar
The Grand Bazaar, built by Mehmet the Conqueror, is a historical shopping square surrounded by shops covered with roofs and domes. The core of the big area, whose name was “Carsi-yi Kebir” in history, consists of two bodies. The first bazaar built-in 1460 was named Cevahir, and the revenue of this bazaar was left to Mehmet II (Conqueror) to support Hagia Sophia. The Sultan later developed various shops and shopping benches, making it the center of economic life.
Architectural Features of the Grand Bazaar
The Grand Bazaar, found in 1461, resembles a giant maze with its aesthetic design. The historical shopping area with nearly 60 streets and more than 3600 shops covers an area of 30,700 square meters in total. It is a popular attraction point of Istanbul both in tourism and commercial terms. Cevahir Bedesteni draws attention at first sight of the square, which displays a sophisticated structure with its colorful elements. It has 15 separate sections from the bedesten, which looks like an architectural monument. Each section has a view covered by a dome. Small cells are visible in the interior of its walls. Sandal Bedesten is in a design surrounded by 50 domes. This decorative bed is one of the leading examples of Turkish architecture as dome designs. Of these two important bodies mentioned, we know them as the inner castles of the Grand Bazaar. Two structures in history are known mostly for their thick internal iron cases. Traders in iron crates; They saved their savings such as capital, savings and jewelry, and registration and registration documents in guilds.
Shops and Organizations
The Grand Bazaar, which attracts attention with a large crowd at all hours of the day, contains many different shops such as valuable jewelry, weapons, antiques, and food and beverage. The names in the bazaar are sufficient to express what they were before.
Grand Bazaar Interior Order
It is also possible to come across various organizations in the market where the product is for sale in 97 categories. Health centers, police stations, branches of all banks, and post office are among these organizations. The private security agency is a unique institution of the bazaar.
Although the Grand Bazaar gives the impression of an intricate image, it is actually in the structure of full order. In the section between Aga Street and Aynacilar Street at the entrance of the bazaar, colorful pictures of tourists are noteworthy. When you proceed through Kuyumcular Caddesi, Zincirli Han, known as the manufacturing of jewelry, welcomes you. Many elements testify to the traces of history in the Zincirli Han, which has 2 floors. In Cevahir Bedesten, which amazes with its size, there are small shops of artisans engaged in small handicrafts and people who make artistic decorations.
Especially when you continue from the exit of Zenneciler Street, you can see a broad view of calligraphy artists and antique shops. Here you can take a digital camera with you to take panoramic photos. If you come to the road exit, you will see Cebeci Han. Immediately next to the inn, the coppersmiths impressing each other.
The tradesmen who continue their works without losing their old vitalities will make you happy with their artistic works as well as warm and pleasant conversations. After visiting many touristic routes in the Grand Bazaar, we recommend stopping by Feraceciler Street. Here, you can be sure that you will relieve the tiredness of the day with delicious foamy Turkish coffee.
Private Tours of Grand Bazaar
If you are interested in visiting the Grand Bazaar with an experienced private tour guide, please contact us! Our private tours are the best option to enjoy wonderful and complex sites such as the Grand Bazaar.
Let us make your time in Istanbul a memorable one!