They say that the Egyptian market in Istanbul is the place where every tourist should look. It is also mistakenly called the Grand Bazaar. However, these are two completely different places. Moreover, in the second bazaar you are unlikely to find Turkish sweets. But on the first one there are not just a lot of them, but an immensely many. So what is this place, where is it located, how do you get to it and what are the reviews about it?
A bit of history
Egyptian Bazaar or Spice Market was built over half a century ago. It was built by order of the Sultan more than three hundred years ago: in 1660. It is believed that the initiative to build this place came from the mother of a very influential and we althy Sultan at that time. Although, according to other sources, the market was built in order to recoup the cost of the New Mosque in Istanbul. This beautiful building is a real architectural masterpiece. It is well preserved and functions even in ourdays.
Initially, all the malls in the bazaar and other buildings were built mainly from wood. However, a few years later it was decided to replace this natural material with a stronger and more durable one. As a result, the wooden shops were dismantled, and buildings made of stone and brick were erected in their place. The construction of this project and the mosque was led by the chief Turkish architect, Mustafa Agha.
The Egyptian Bazaar got its name because of the goods that at that time were massively brought here from the East. Moreover, most of the products on the market came from Egypt.
He is not afraid of bad weather and natural disasters
This place is also called the Spice Market. It is famous for its selection of spices, sweets and a huge variety of different outlandish goods, souvenirs. However, the market is best known for its extraordinary resistance to weather and the elements.
As it turned out, during his work he managed to withstand one earthquake, survive the flood due to heavy rains and two great fires. One of them happened in 1691, and the second - in 1940. It is noteworthy that after the second strong fire, almost nothing remained of the Egyptian market in Istanbul. And only thanks to the efforts of the city authorities and residents, it was completely restored. The reconstruction of the market was successful and was completed at the end of 1940.
The market these days
At the moment, the Egyptian market in Istanbul is a functioning building, erected in the shape of the English letter L. Onlythink about it, the building has six entrances and exits. For this reason, many tourists who come here for the first time often get lost, and this is no wonder.
There are more than eighty different shops in the market, each with its own special assortment of goods. There is also a bistro, cafe and restaurant. It is noteworthy that part of the building is under the roof, and the rest - under the open sky. So it turns out that some tourists and buyers walk on the street, while others enjoy the shade and coolness under a kind of dome.
How to get to the market
The Egyptian market in Istanbul has a main or central entrance. You can find it by following from the square called Eminonu, which is located near the pier of the same name. To get to it, you should take the ultra-fast city tram T1 and get off at the Eminonu stop.
Then it remains only to move towards the building of the mosque, which is simply impossible not to notice, and go around it. As a result, you will find yourself right next to the central entrance of the market. But this is provided if you move from the European part of Istanbul.
If you go from the Asian side of the city, you can get to it on a ferry sailing to the same square. The name of the pier is Eminonu.
How else can you visit the market?
You can get to the place as part of an excursion tour to Istanbul. Many travel companies offer excursions exclusively to the markets and large shopping malls of the city. This is a kind of shopping tour that allows you to get not only a lot of impressions, but also to buy souvenirs, sweets,spices and necessary things for the whole family.
Moreover, some locals also organize original sightseeing tours around Istanbul. Such a journey is a walk through proven outlets, markets and shops. Guides who are easily found among the locals can negotiate an additional discount for you.
But of course the guides have some benefit from this. And all because many enterprising residents take a small percentage from the seller and merchant for each tourist they bring. Of course, the referred guest must make a purchase.
Market entry
According to many visitors to the market, the main entrance is difficult to confuse with anything. The fact is that a large and noticeable plate hangs above it. It flaunts the name of the bazaar and the date of its foundation. But as soon as you enter, you will immediately be amazed by the scale of this structure. According to tourists, this place is an architectural masterpiece.
But on the other hand, the atmosphere itself, the authenticity of the place, deserves special attention here. According to many reviews, the Egyptian market in Istanbul is literally mesmerizing at first sight. Everywhere you will hear the extraordinary aroma of spices, as well as the smell of Turkish coffee. It is said that it is simply impossible to resist the temptation to try it.
What to buy in Istanbul at the market
On the market you can buy almost everything your soul desires. And it’s worth starting, perhaps, with spices. Such a huge variety of spices that can be found here is nowhere else. The counters are simply bursting with pepper and paprika, saffron, cumin, fragrant and fresh mint, vanilla, ginger, cardamom and much more. The names of some spices and spices are not even familiar to us, but it is definitely worth trying something new.
Tourists are delighted with a rich assortment of the freshest oriental sweets, candied and dried fruits, coffee, tea, essential oils, souvenirs, salmon, nuts, textiles. They say that in some shops of the market they even sell unusually beautiful and expensive jewelry, jewelry. What to buy in Istanbul? There is no single answer to this question, everyone decides for himself what to bring from the ancient city, the former capital of three powerful empires. Naturally, everything will depend on your needs and income level.
Oriental sweets
This market is a real paradise for the sweet tooth. According to many tourists, this is the largest bazaar with sweets and dried fruits that you can imagine. So what is there?
For example, here you can try different types of baklava, thin sweet cakes with interesting fillings, candied rolls with nuts, Turkish delight, churchkhela, sweets. And all this is wrapped in bizarre rolls, circles, triangles, stacked in pyramids. If you wish, you can not only buy your favorite sweets, but also immediately, on the spot, hold their tasting with a cup of coffee, tea or freshly squeezed juice. Interestingly, in addition totraditional lemon, orange and pineapple juice, carrot juice is popular.
Unsurpassed souvenir shops
Souvenir shops deserve special attention. Here you can buy various types of hookahs, smoking pipes and copper Turks for coffee. Any board game made by hand by skilled Turkish craftsmen can also become an original gift. Carved wood products are very popular among tourists. It can be various inscriptions and letters, trays and dishes, mirror frames, kitchen utensils, small cabinets, decor, children's furniture.
Decorative plates with paintings, tea and coffee sets, fabric products with traditional oriental patterns look beautiful. Baking sets, plastic dishes for children's parties and birthdays also look unusual. All of them are bright, patterned and eye-catching.
Olive oil and other products
Along with souvenirs and sweets, there are food stalls within the market. Here you can buy vegetables, fruits, teas by weight, for example with fragrant jasmine. Oil lovers can take away a bottle of excellent olive oil from here. Depending on the spin, it's great for frying and salad dressing.
Restaurant in the market
There is a cute and cozy restaurant in the market called Pandeli. Unlike malls and small shops, it is unacceptable to bargain here. The restaurant has been operating since 1901. It is famous for its pretty good Turkish food and service.
Some useful tips
If you believe the reviews of experienced tourists, it is worth and should bargain with sellers in the Turkish market. Very often they deliberately call too high cost. It is believed that after the announced price, you can safely divide it into two and continue trading. The second important point is to taste the product. Do not trust sellers. Better try it yourself. Moreover, it is not prohibited. It is better to pay in stores with local currency, as the exchange rate of the euro or dollar may not be favorable for you.
Travelers recommend the Egyptian market in Istanbul to visit all guests of the city. Where, if not in the market, you can feel the spirit of the city, how it lives, meet the locals and try amazing oriental sweets.
