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 by midnight_mike
The Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays.
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 dan and mike @ can antik by chauncenettaLeave a Comment Theme: AntiquesAddress: No. 34/36 Beyazit, IstanbulPhone: 0090 212 512 58 28Directions: find the Grand Bazaar and get lostWebsite: www.canantik.com
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 Inside the Grand Bazaar by AcornMan
Although many stores sell things like leather goods, I wasn't interested in that kind of shopping because you can buy leather anywhere. What I looked for were things that you can't buy anywhere else in the world, and believe me when I say there's plenty in the Grand Bazaar that fits that category, including Turkish ceramics, paintings, carvings, jewelry, all kinds of art work, and of course lots of rugs.
Remember that ALL the prices quoted by the merchants are negotiable. I spent a lot of time haggling for the things I bought. In some cases I got great deals and in others I overpaid, but it was always fun to barter nonetheless. Leave a Comment Theme: OtherDirections: The easiest way to get from Sultanahmet to the Grand Bazaar is via the Zeytinburnu tram uphill from Sultanahmet. Get off at the Carsikapi stop.
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The world famous Covered bazaar (Kapali Carsi) is, owing to its architecture, history, location, and sheer variety of marchandise, one of Istanbul's most significant tourist sites. The Bazaar has eight different entrances, each of them facing one of the city's most important historic monuments. These include Nuruosmaniye Mosque, Çemberlitas, the Beyazýt Complex, Istanbul University and the Second Hand Book Bazaar. Built at the command of SultanMehmed the, Conqueror in 1461, the Bazaar initially consisted of just two warehouses (bedesten). In time, merchants began to set up their own stalls and workshops in the surrounding area. Dignitaries furthered the expansion with the addition of numerous caravanserais, so that the soon place had become a focus for trading goods from all over the empire. In the 16th and 17th centuries, however, the Bazaar suffered repeated damage from the fires that ravaged that part of the city, and in 1894 was destroyed alltogether by an earthquake. After being rebuilt in 1898, the Bazaar underwent futher renovation following the fires of 1943 and 1954.
In terms of structure, the visitor is confronted by what may at first seem a bewildering a maze of 61 streets. On closer inspection, however, it becomes apparent that there is, in fact, a reasonable semblance of order. The streets themselves are arranged on a grid-like system, are traditionally shopkeepers have tended to group themselves according to the type of goods they sell, whether it be jewellery, antiques, carpets, copper, or leather goods. Clues as to which area you might be in are often given by the names of streets, even if in some cases - the Street of the Turban Makers, for instance - the traders recalled are now mere vestiges of a colourful past.
The Bazaar also functions as an unofficial financial centre, with a particular emphasis on gold and foreign exchange trading. Most shopkeepers will exchange different currencies.
The Bazaar is open daily, except Sundays and public holidays, between 07:00 and 19:00. Theme: OtherAddress: beyazitDirections: Beyazit
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This is the Super Bowl of shopping and all under one roof! Although perhaps not as rustic and romantic as the image one might have built up in their own minds, the Grand Bazaar is a place to be experienced and not to be missed even for the reputed non-shopper. Culturally it is fascinating: The banter from the shopkeepers to get you to look at their wares; walking along lanes that have housed shoppers since the 15th century; the sport of bargaining with a shopkeeper over a potential purchase; and the ever-present tea waiters, taking all types of tea on metal trays to shops who order them for their customers (and themselves).
Definitely take the time to visit the older section of the Bazaar, the Cevahir Bedesteni. Dating from the 15th century you can see the exposed brick domed ceiling. It houses many small high quality jewelery, antique, and ceramic shops.
I think we spent time in the Grand Bazaar on 3 of the 5 days we were in town. I think that's the key to surviving the Grand Bazaar...to do it in small doses. To try to do it in one outing would be mind-numbing for all but the most intense and serious of shopper.
What can you buy here? With over 4000 shops, just about everything! Jewelery, antiques, football kits, ceramics, lamps, carpets, leather goods, tourist chotchke, food stuff, clothes, luggage, shoes, belly dancing outfits, watches. You name it!
Varies; be sure to use your bargaining skills! Leave a Comment Theme: OtherAddress: Yaglikcilar Caddesi runs right through itDirections: Take tram to Beyazit and walk a block or two north to one of the many entrances to the Grand BazaarWebsite: http://www.grandbazaarturkey.com/
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 Covered Bazzaar by Erkmen
Covered Bazaar or as locals call Kapali Carsi is the main shopping center for tourists.. Also one of the worlds biggest gold market..
Behind the Covered bazaar lays the walking bourse.. Leave a Comment Theme: Department Store
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 Grand Bazaar by Bigjones
Depends on how good you can bargain ;-) Leave a Comment Theme: Department Store
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 by babar_1
If you don't have enough money...no problem....Just do window shopping Leave a Comment Theme: Gifts
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 Kapali Carsi by Lion_Beat
You can buy for cheap silver here (if you know how!). Most of tourists buy T-shirts (with Istanbul inscription) from here. You can also buy small craft art itimes. Ask for NAZAR (The Evel eye to protect you, its blue/green color and its practically on every corner). Do not expect to find real antiques here!
You already heard that you have to bargain here! And here is no exception... (esspecialy here)... there are no price tags here of course!
Check on my 'How to bargain tip' if you want to leran how to buy things for less! Leave a Comment Theme: Local CraftAddress: Kapali CarsiDirections: You can enter from Beyazit Square or from Nuruosmaniye Blvd.
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 One of the entrances by SirRichardLeave a Comment Theme: Local CraftDirections: Ask anyone!
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