- On 19.04.2024
Istanbul Covered Bazaar: (Kapali Çarsi)
During the Byzantine period the area of the Grand Bazaar was a trade center. After the Turks came to Istanbul, two bedestens which formed the esence of today’s Grand Bazaar were built between 1455-1461 by Sultan Mehmet the Conquerer in an attempt to enrich the eceonomic life in the city.
Later on as people needed more places for their trade, they also added parts outside these bedestens. In time the Grand Bazaar was formed. The atmosphere of the Grand Bazaar is very interesting for tourists and has consequently become a very popular place for foreign visitors. The Grand Bazaar is one of the largest covered markets in the world with its 4400 shops in 64 streets and with 22 gates. There are thousands of things you can find and purchase in the Grand Bazaar. You can find all kinds of stuff in the Bazaar, varying from Silk carpets to leather coats and from gold to fake brand T-shirts. By the way Grand Bazaar closed on Sundays.