Grand Bazaar of Istanbul Photos Shopping Guide
The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, it was listed No.1 among the world's most-visited tourist attractions with some millions of annual visitors.
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Over the years, the Grand Bazaar expanded from this core of two bedestens to become a roofed complex with thousands of shops and a lot of traders and workshops known as Hans.
1. How to Navigate
A. The main area of the Grand Bazaar has a total of 64 streets and 22 entrances. The entire section around the historical bedesten is also considered to be a part of the Grand Bazaar market. It is very likely to be lost.
B. If you have limited time is and are looking for specific things then exploring the area around a particular gate can be helpful. There are many gates where and sections, so don’t wander around. Keep specific thing in my and look for it. There are specific gates for certain things like jewelry or grocery or cloths. Take help of locals and visit those sections.
2. Bargaining is needed
A.Trying to see the entire Grand Bazaar in one afternoon is an unrealistic task and draining. The relationship that will be established between the vendor and yourself will be more important than a purchase. Chatting and bargaining with the seller of Grand Bazaar, who often are fluent in more than one language will be the fun experience. Some of the sellers may offer you tea, which is a Turkish way of welcome.
3. You can skip things and move on
A. Not only in this market, But You will also quickly notice that once you put your hands on a product, regardless of whether you have the intentions of buying it or not, the shopkeeper will always try to close the deal and try to push more. You can always leave the place politely.
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4. Made to order service
A. Many locals and tourist visit this market for the Made to order service. Where there are many traders and craftsmen who actually own a workshop near their hans and can make things according to your requirement. Many of the craftsmen work on original designs, while others specialize in working based on a client’s requests.
5. Explore textile products
You will find unique, hand-woven carpets and kilims made with a variety of colors. Most of the designs are modeled on existing kilims. Bathrobes, peştemals, and other traditional items can also be found here.
Modern scarf designs, stockings, gloves, and other ethnic handmade goodies can be the best option as the souvenir.
6. Fuel up
There is a certain portion of the market for snack, drink and rest. If a group of people is visiting then they can bound the time to the visit and decide to meet at this point in certain 5-6 hours of time. That is a great way to move independently without worrying about anyone getting lost.