Spice Bazaar

Spice Bazaar

The Spice Bazaar, also called the Egyptian Bazaar (Mısır Çarşısı), is one of the oldest markets in Istanbul and one of the best places in the city to buy typical products such as spices, sweets or nuts. It is located in Eminönü, a few steps from the Galata Bridge.

The Egyptian Bazaar is built in L-shape and has 6 entrance gates, it is a very colorful market and the shopkeepers decorate their stalls in such a way that to visit it is a pleasure for the senses.

The origins

The beginnings of the Spice Bazaar date back to 1663. It was built at the same time as the New Mosque and adjacent to it with the aim of maintaining it economically.

The name of Egyptian Bazaar comes from when Istanbul marked the end of the silk route and was the center of distribution of all Europe, in fact, from the thirteenth century already traded spices with Venice.

During the 15th century spices came from India and Southeast Asia to Egypt, and from here to Istanbul by the Mediterranean Sea.