Istanbul Grand Bazaar

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Istanbul Grand Bazaar

The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul (Kapalıçarşı) is one of the largest and oldest markets in the world. It is one of the best places in the city to shop for crafts, jewelry and clothes.

The covered area where the market is located is 45,000 square meters and employs about 20,000 people. The number of daily visitors varies between 300,000 and 500,000 depending on the season.

The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul has more than 3,600 stores distributed in 64 streets. To access the site there are 22 doors.
origins

The origins of the Grand Bazaar go back to the time of Mehmed II, when in 1455 he built near the palace the old bazaar (Eski Bedesten). As in many other cities, around this building were installed workshops of craftsmen forming trade-union streets.

Over time the buildings grew in number and the streets were covered. Shortly afterwards the whole complex was walled.