spices, Istanbul

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The Spice Bazaar, also known as the Egyptian Bazaar is the second largest covered shopping complex after the Grand Bazaar. There are several documents suggesting the name of the bazaar was first called the "New Bazaar". However, due to the fact that many spices were imported via Egypt in the Ottoman period it then acquired its current name. It was built by architect Mustafa in 1660 and consists of 88 vaulted rooms. For me, I preferred it over its bigger cousin, the Grand Bazaar, as it’s smaller and has a more personal feel. It's full of shops selling spices (naturally!), dried fruits, perfume oils, nougat, Turkish Delight, and honey.

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The Spice Bazaar is often called the Egyptian Bazaar, since so many goods came from Egypt. The shops offer all kinds of spices, some hard to find elsewhere. It's called the Yeni Cami in Turkish.

Outside the Spice Bazaar is a huge street market. Strolling through the labyrinth of narrow streets lined with shops, you can find nearly anything.

What to buy: I purchased some saffron, at a cut-rate price. It would have cost ten times more in the US. This spice is used in many rice dishes, and it only takes a pinch. Some of it is still in my kitchen.

What to pay: Generally, spices cost less here than in the US.

My Istanbul based American friend took me to this, her favorite shop in Misir Carsisi (Spice Market) this summer. They had an array of wonderful spices, herbs, dried eggplant and dried okra strung like leis that were hanging over us. My senses were engaged as I was surrounded by these wonderful aromas and the sight of deeply hued spices. We had tea and water too which were readily offered to us.

What to buy: Despite the name which means 'corn', you should buy all kids of spices plus dried okra, pre-mixed garam masala, Turkish saffron (safran), and the item I was hunting down, cocoa butter!

What to pay: 3 YTL for a good sized container of Turkish saffron, best prices in all of the bazaar.

When you visit the Spice Bazaar, take a short detour and check out the little shops behind it - this part is non-touristy and you'll see locals buying and selling lots of different things. I liked it as much as the Spice Bazaar itself.

The Spice Bazaar is L-shaped and to get to this area I'm talking about, when you get to the intersection of the two arms of the L, go out the door and you'll immediately be in this area. You can also get here by walking down from the Grand Bazaar but it is sort of a chaotic walk.

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Also known as the Egyptian Market, this is another must see when in Istanbul. The building was constructed in the mid-17th century as part of the nearby Yeni Camii complex. A portion of the revenue generated at the bazaar went to support the operations of the mosque. While you can find bulk spices of all kinds (the variety of colors are a photographer's dream subject!), there are also vendors selling a variety of other goods, chief among them being lokum or Turkish Delight, a local confection which must be tried in one form or another (there are seemingly an endless array of varieties). Silks, scarves, chotchke, lamps, carpets...it's all here. As are the crowds as we experienced on a Saturday afternoon. And surprisingly tourists were not in the majority.

What to buy: Spices, lokum, tourist trinkets

What to pay: Varies

This is the spice market.Outside there are nuts,spices,lokum(Turkish delight),tea,etc
Inside there are jewelary shops,souveniers and food too

What to buy: Definitely you should buy lokum.It is so so delicios....

What to pay: The kilo of the regular is between 4-6 YTL and these one with nuts is 7-10 YTL per kilo

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The Egyptian Bazaar or Spice Market is busy and bustling and the atmosphere is great. As soon as you approach the Market, you can smell the aromas of cardamon, ginger, paprika, saffron and pepper.

It was nice to stroll around the stalls, sampling different types of Turkish Delight sweets and looking at the display of pretty coloured spices.

Note: The Egyptian Bazaar/Spice Market is closed on Sundays.

What to buy: Spices. Turkish Delights. Herbal teas.

What to pay: There's isn't much variation in price, but I always find it's a good idea to go around the Bazaar once and then come back to the stall where you're happy with the price of what you want to buy - that's if you can find it! Don't forget to haggle too.

In the Eminonu quarter you can find this old style covered bazaar next to the New Mosque.It has been built in 1660 by Turhan Valide Sultan.

What to buy: You can find lots of spices and local turkish foods (pastirma,turkish deligts,turkish cheese,turkish style sausages) and also please visit PANDELÝ RESTAURANT.Founder of the restaurant is PANDELI COBANOGLU.You can taste turkish style foods with good service.