The Grand Bazaar is the world's oldest and largest covered bazaar, located in the heart of Istanbul. The foundation of the Grand Bazaar was laid in 1461.
The Grand Bazaar is the oldest and largest covered market in the world, located in the heart of Istanbul. Its foundation was laid in 1461. With over sixty streets and more than three thousand shops, the Grand Bazaar is a unique center in Istanbul that must be seen. This completely covered site resembles a city and has developed and grown over time.
The bazaar covers a large area between the Beyazıt Mosque and the Nur-ı Osmaniye Mosque and was established shortly after the conquest of Istanbul to generate income for the Hagia Sophia. Since its establishment, it has been an important trade center that has never lost its density. The architecture of the bazaar resembles that of the Bursa Grand Mosque. It has twenty domes supported by twelve large pillars. The bazaar has experienced many fires and earthquakes and has been repaired several times. It appears to have been built like a complex. Inside, there are sections such as shops, warehouses, caravanserais, rooms, and mosques.
Names of past trades like cloth merchants, turbans sellers, cloak sellers, tanners, shoemakers, jewelers, mirror sellers, and cap makers are given to the places where these trades were located. According to the guild system, these professions were placed in specific areas within the bazaar. Today, only a few of these professions remain.
The bazaar is now one of the popular destinations for tourists. The old Grand Bazaar tradesmen were known for their silence and honesty.
The domes of the bazaar are covered with lead. In the past, this place was among the most secure locations, allowing people to store their valuable belongings without fear. The bazaar was guarded, and its doors were locked.
The Grand Bazaar has three main gates: the Beyazıt Gate, the Fesciler Gate, and the Sahaflar Gate. Other gates include the Kürkçüler Gate, Nur-ı Osmaniye Gate, Mahmut Paşa Gate, Mercan Gate, Tacirler Gate, and Örücüler Gate.
Today, various items, including ceramics and leather goods, are traded in the Grand Bazaar, with a strong emphasis on jewelry and gold.
Source: İstanbul Gezi Rehberi
