Istanbul is undoubtedly one of the world’s most exciting cities. It has a long history and a diverse culture, evident across its numerous districts, but the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul is the best spot to get a feel for the city’s past and present. If the shopkeepers haven’t greeted you in the Grand Bazaar during your time in Istanbul, you truly can’t call yourself a visitor to the city.
Shopaholics would be pleased to learn that the world’s oldest retail mall is so large that they won’t be able to finish it in a single day if it is continuously renovated, and each step offers a picture opportunity. You are allowed to visit all 64 streets because it is open six days a week.
Best things to do while visiting Istanbul Grand Bazaar
Here are some of the best things to do at the Grand Bazaar during your next visit, with some of the most valuable tips!
1. Take Carpets & Kilims
Even before the time of the Victorians, the renowned carpets in Turkey held Europeans’ curiosity. The weaving method goes back to at least the fourth or fifth century, and these priceless, genuine carpets are more than simply beautiful; the patterns each represent a message.
There are four beautiful carpet stores in Grand Bazaar, all of which can be trusted and should be visited if you wish to avoid aggressive salespeople. If you aren’t an expert on purchasing rare carpets, choose the one that speaks to your heart the most. After all, this spin on a magic carpet will spruce up your home, not the one you’re buying.
2. Purchase Ceramics
You may be shocked to learn that Turkey has a long and rich history in ceramics. In general, Iznik and Kütahya are the places that are recognized for their skill; yet, the goods that are produced in these areas can be found right here in the Grand Bazaar of Istanbul. This is something to keep in mind whether you are in the market for plates that will wow your guests at your next dinner party or if you are in the business of running a restaurant.
3. Explore Different Pieces Of Jewellery
It would seem that there has been a rise in interest in Turkish Jewellery ever since the television programs Magnificent Century and Hürrem Sultan. Turkey is home to several valuable and semiprecious stones, including adamite, blue chalcedony, adaptable zultanite, and purple jade.
Suppose you want to have the experience of being treated like an Ottoman princess. In that case, the following respected businesses may assist you in making a purchase that will spark a love that will last a lifetime.
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4. Fall In Love With Leather Garments
Turkey is a powerhouse regarding leather, even though Italian leather has been making waves on an international scale. The simple increase in total exports brought in nearly $1.09 billion more by 2020. Koc Leather is the only store you need to go to if the characters Johnny Strabler (portrayed by Marlon Brando), Tyler Durden (portrayed by Brad Pitt), Tom Cruise in Top Gun, or Mel Gibson in Mad Max have served as sources of inspiration for you.
5. Purchase Stylish Scarves, Towels & Fabric Garments
You may find every kind of fabric at the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, whether it be towels, t-shirts, trousers, skirts, textiles for the bathroom, cashmere, or scarves. One of the most well-known examples of Turkish textiles is the multicolored peshtemal towel, which is considered to be the emblem of the hamam. You can even buy scarves made out of cashmere.
Peshtemal towels were originally crafted from one hundred percent cotton. They gained popularity in Turkish spas due to their portability and ability to retain a sense of solitude. Later, people came to appreciate them because they were very absorbent and dried out quickly.
Furthermore, cotton grown in this region of the globe contains long fibers that are relatively thin, which allows for more threads to be woven into one square inch of fabric. This indicates that Turkish textiles have a very high absorption capacity. All of these characteristics make Turkish cotton stand out from other types.
6. Take Antiques As Memoir
Because Istanbul has such a long and illustrious past, those interested in history shouldn’t pass up the opportunity to visit any of the city’s many antique stores. Every antiquarian will be able to discover something that satisfies their interests in this city because of its long and illustrious past. Not to mention the fact that this city has long been a destination for a wide variety of antiques coming from all directions.
Tips To Follow While Visiting Istanbul Grand Bazar
1. Engage In Bargaining With The Merchants
The practice of bargaining, sometimes known as haggling, is common in Turkey, as in many other nations. Bargaining over prices is not common practice among consumers in Europe and America, save maybe when purchasing a home, a vehicle, or another costly item.
In Turkey, bargaining is common practice for a wide variety of commodities, even those of a lower monetary value. This is particularly true for one-of-a-kind handcrafted objects, such as carpets, crafts, art, antiques, and other things that do not have standardized marketplaces. Gain an understanding of how to haggle with shop owners in Turkey successfully.
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2. Take Your Time
It is essential to take time when exploring the Grand Bazaar since it is a one-of-a-kind experience. The Grand Bazaar is one of the most extensive markets in the world, and it is home to a diverse collection of cultural stores that cannot be found anywhere else.
If you do not allow yourself to unwind and take your time, you may come to regret that you did not use the time you had to investigate the many different things that could have piqued your interest.
Several sellers located close to one another are competing with one another to make sales of their items. These sellers will tell you various things to get you to purchase from them. Investigate your many choices, then shop for the best deal. Never buy from the very first dealer you come across.
3. Plan Beforehand
The experience of shopping in the Grand Bazaar may be somewhat overwhelming. It may be stressful and difficult to avoid confusion and know where to go next, given that there are over 4,000 businesses, over 60 streets, and over 20 entrances to the marketplace.
Finding the best places to shop in the Grand Bazaar may be easier if you determine your interests before beginning your search for the best locations. For example, if purchasing Jewellery is at the top of your priority list, you may get a head start by consulting a map of the Grand Bazaar to choose which street and entry to use.