A Visit to the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul
From my previous post, you might remember we went from the Asian part of Istanbul to the European.
We were heading for The Grand Bazaar which was constructed between 1455 and 1461.
One of the Worlds biggest indoor markets.
Zeynep as our wondeful hostess and driver and guide and grandma to Metin Leander, my daughter Ingelin, Anna and me.
Istanbul is a metropolis - a megacity, spreading over two continents – Asia and Europe.
Good then to go with Zeynep, who knows where to park the Car.
And where to take the modern Tram (Street Car) to the Grand Bazaar.
Nine stops crossing the Golden Horn.
And also learn how to pay for the ride.
All about Trams in Istanbul here
We went from Kabataş to Kapalı Çarşı - The Grand Bazaar. Anna and Zeynep are close to enter
.
Grand Bazaar in Beyazit, on the European side of Istanbul, is one of the City's greatest tourism attractions, and you do not need to buy anything. You only look, if you prefere;)
It's like walking around in a modern Shopping Mall, but the Shops are smaller and private owned. Above you see Grandma with Grandson. He was perhaps the greatest attraction that Day;)
You can find allmost everything here (no fashion of any kind, that will be in an other post):
New and antique jewellery, inlaid woodwork furniture, textiles and embroidery, metalware, lamps, carpets and more can all be found beneath the covered alleyways.
Try and bargain. Do not look to eager. Like Anna and Ingelin;)
It's very well organized in the sense that all shops selling the same type of goods are located in the same alley. In the middle of the Bazaar you find the above “advertizing” for Boybeyi Jewellery
.
The Grand Bazaar is huge and crowed. No fixed prices, so you have to bargain. The quality of the goods varies, so you should know how to distinct the genuine from the fake.
We needed a rest as well, all of us. It was many new and strange impressions. Not at least for Metin Leander, 8 months and 10 Days. And more crowed than we Vikings are used to… from 250,000 to 400,000 visitors a day.
No visit to an oriental bazaar without seeing a Lamp;)
What will be your 3 wishes?
About The Grand Bazaar
Can you buy Taxfree?
Some Shops offer Taxfree: 18% off. Present the merchandise and receipt to The Customs Tax-Free office at the airport in Istanbul, located in the International Departure Terminal, is opened 24 hours a day. Do not sign any papers you can not understand when you buy, others than related directly to your Credit Card receipt.
Summary
For me it was a great tourist attraction well worth visiting. It gives an insight in historical oriental markets and sales and buying behaviours. Not very unlike modern shoppings malls exept for the lack of fixed prices, sales, A/C, Parking lots and Fast Food.
If you are a skilled shopper, I’m sure you will find treasures here.
Grandson Metin Leander did a great performance. He charmed everybody.
More to come....
PS. Photos from Oslo you have never thought about
We were heading for The Grand Bazaar which was constructed between 1455 and 1461.
One of the Worlds biggest indoor markets.
Zeynep as our wondeful hostess and driver and guide and grandma to Metin Leander, my daughter Ingelin, Anna and me.
Istanbul is a metropolis - a megacity, spreading over two continents – Asia and Europe.
Good then to go with Zeynep, who knows where to park the Car.
And where to take the modern Tram (Street Car) to the Grand Bazaar.
Nine stops crossing the Golden Horn.
And also learn how to pay for the ride.
All about Trams in Istanbul here
We went from Kabataş to Kapalı Çarşı - The Grand Bazaar. Anna and Zeynep are close to enter
.
Grand Bazaar in Beyazit, on the European side of Istanbul, is one of the City's greatest tourism attractions, and you do not need to buy anything. You only look, if you prefere;)
It's like walking around in a modern Shopping Mall, but the Shops are smaller and private owned. Above you see Grandma with Grandson. He was perhaps the greatest attraction that Day;)
You can find allmost everything here (no fashion of any kind, that will be in an other post):
New and antique jewellery, inlaid woodwork furniture, textiles and embroidery, metalware, lamps, carpets and more can all be found beneath the covered alleyways.
 |
It's very well organized in the sense that all shops selling the same type of goods are located in the same alley. In the middle of the Bazaar you find the above “advertizing” for Boybeyi Jewellery
.
The Grand Bazaar is huge and crowed. No fixed prices, so you have to bargain. The quality of the goods varies, so you should know how to distinct the genuine from the fake.
 |  |
No visit to an oriental bazaar without seeing a Lamp;)
What will be your 3 wishes?
About The Grand Bazaar
Can you buy Taxfree?
Some Shops offer Taxfree: 18% off. Present the merchandise and receipt to The Customs Tax-Free office at the airport in Istanbul, located in the International Departure Terminal, is opened 24 hours a day. Do not sign any papers you can not understand when you buy, others than related directly to your Credit Card receipt.
Summary
For me it was a great tourist attraction well worth visiting. It gives an insight in historical oriental markets and sales and buying behaviours. Not very unlike modern shoppings malls exept for the lack of fixed prices, sales, A/C, Parking lots and Fast Food.
If you are a skilled shopper, I’m sure you will find treasures here.
Grandson Metin Leander did a great performance. He charmed everybody.
More to come....
PS. Photos from Oslo you have never thought about
posted by TorAa at
7/23/2010 09:46:00 pm
8 Comments:
What a FANTASTIC Place....But, no AC??? That would end it for me...lol!
I love when you said how Vikings are not used to that many people....lol...No One Is!
That is a lot of people Tor.....I think your Grandson was and IS the "treasure" of the day.
Yes a fantastic place!!! This grand bazaar is something to see! Did Anna find some treasures finaly?
I remember we had the same bracelet!!!
So much good time you had all together, family!!!
Can't wait to arrive in Oslo and hear you telling your beautiful trip in Istanbul!
I loved the grand Bazar ! I almost got lost in there, because we had two hours off our group !
I also have pictures on my travel blog. I really liked Istambul. Your little grandson is so cute ! 8 months already time flies by it's terrible !
Looks like an awesome bazaar! I'd go crazy in there.... *giggles*
No surprise that Metin Leander did steal every ones heart, he is soooo sweet!
No fast food does not scare me off but the fact it has no AC, This summer I've learned what that means. Phew! Our summer home is simply too hot, no proper sleep until yesterday night when the rain arrived!
i'd really like to see that in person. i think it must be a fascinating place. my favorite shot is the one of anna and ingelin in the fabric shop. the framing of the shot is great!
I think you'd probably enjoy any place in the world, Tor, and get along just fine!
Wonderful place to visit, Tor. I have always wanted to go there, but haven't got there yet!
I have been there as a child, I remember those gold shops, it was very impressive for me at this time
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